^>>\^> 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


// 


m 


/- 


(/f, 
^ 


f/j 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


IIM    IIIII2.5 


142     — 


IIM 
|M 
1.8 


U    i  1.6 


V, 


^ 


/a 


/ 


'c^l 


0^1 


/^ 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


'^O' 


%' 


^ 


CIHM 
Microfiche 
Series 
(Monographs) 


ICIVJH 

Collection  de 
microfiches 
(monographies) 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Inttitut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


^1 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes  /  Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best  original 
copy  available  for  filming.   Features  of  this  copy  which 
may  be  bibliographically  unique,  which  may  alter  any 
of  the  images  in  the  reproduction,  or  which  may 
significantly  change  the  usual  method  of  filming,  are 
checked  below. 


n 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 

Covers  damaged/ 
Couverture  endommagee 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restauree  et/ou  pellicutee 


Cover  title  missing/ 

Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Caites  geoqraphiques  en  couleur 


□  Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleuc  ou  noire) 


Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 
Planches  et/ou  illustrations  en  couleur 

Bound  with  other  material/ 
Relie  avec  d'autres  documents 


□  Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

i  a  reliure  serree  peut  causer  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  le  long  de  la  marge  interieure 


D 


n 


Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may  appear 
within  the  text.  Whenever  possible,  these  have 
been  omitted  from  filT.ing/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutees 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  le  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  etait  possible,  ces  page',  n'ont 
pas  ete  filmees. 


Additional  comments;/ 
Commentaires  supplementaires: 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  f  ilme  au  taux  de  reduction  indique  ci-dessous. 

10a  14X  18X 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  oxemplaire  qu'il 
lui  a  eti  possible  de  se  procurer.   Les  details  de  cet 
exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-£tre  uniques  du  point  de  vue 
bibliographique,  qui  peuvent  modifier  une  image 
reproduite.  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une  modification 
dans  la  methode  normale  de  filmage  sont  indiques 
ci-dessous. 


□  Coloured 
Pages  de  < 


pages/ 
coul»ur 


□  Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagees 

□  Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Pages  restaurees  et/ou  pellicul^s 

0  Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 
Pages  decolorees,  tachetees  ou  piquees 

□  Pages  detached/ 
Pages  detachees 

HShowthrough/ 
Transparence 

0  Quality  of  print  varies/ 
Qualite  inegale  de  I'imp 


ipression 


c 


Continuous  pagination/ 
Pagination  continue 


□  Includes  index(es)/ 
Comprend  un  (des)  index 

Title  on  header  taken  from:/ 
Le  titre  de  I'en-tSte  provient: 

□  Title  page  of  issue/ 
Page  de  titre  de  la  livraison 

□  Caption  of  issue/ 
Titre  de  depart  de  la  livrcison 


D 


Masthead/ 

Generique  (periodiques)  de  la  livraison 


75y 


?Ky 


30X 


— _ — 1 1 1 

12X 


16X 


20X 


24  X 


28X 


32  X 


u'il 

cet 

de  vue 

e 

tion 

les 


The  copy  filmed  here  has  been  reproduced  thanks 
to  the  generosity  of: 

Department  of  Rare  Books 

and  Special  Collections, 

McGill  University,  Montreal. 

The  images  appearing  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  keeping  with  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  ending  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  Illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  back  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  are  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, and  ending  on  the  last  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  —^(meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 

Maps,  plates,  charts,  etc..  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  framea  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


L'exemplaire  film^  fut  reproduit  grica  it  la 
ginirositA  de: 

Department  of  Rare  Books 

and  Special  Collections, 

McGill  University,  Montreal. 

Les  images  suivantes  ont  iti  reproduites  avec  la 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  la  condition  et 
de  la  netteti  de  l'exemplaire  filmd,  et  en 
conformity  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmaga. 

Les  exemplaires  originaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
papier  est  imprim^  sont  film6s  en  commengant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  an  terminant  soit  par  la 
derniire  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exemplaires 
originaux  sont  fllmte  an  commenpant  par  la 
premiere  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  derniire  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 

Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
demiire  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
caa:  la  symbols  -*•  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbole  V  signifie  "FIN". 

Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc..  peuvent  etre 
filmte  d  des  taux  de  rMuction  diffdrents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  clich«.  il  est  film4  i  partir 
da  I'angle  supirieur  gauche,  de  gauche  i  droite. 
et  de  haut  en  baa.  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'Images  n^cessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illuatront  la  m^thode. 


1 

2 

3 

32  X 


1  2  3 

4  5  6 


8 

w 


!» 


S 


HISTORY 


OF 


THE   LATE   WAR 

BETWEEN  TUB  i 

UNITED  STATES  AND  GREAT  BRITAIN:  ^ 

COMPRISING   A 

MINUTE  ACCOUNT  OP  THE  VARIOUS 

MILITARY  AND  NAVAL  OPERATIONS. 


CommoJore  Porte,;  tU  Jlero  qf  'hV/'aaJic-Pag™. 


BY  n.  M^  BRACKENRIDGE. 

rniLADELPIIIA: 

HAYES    &    7^ELL,  rUBLlSIIERS, 

H's  AiAiusKT  srnr.Er. 
1864. 


I 


BrX'l'n1hT;>^I°e]fce*o".tT.fIT  '"  'H^^^'SSg,  by  Ja,„e,  Kay.  Jun  t, 
ewtern  dimt'.Vtymr^l^ni      "'"*'  *°""  °'  '"*  ""''«"  «atei  in  and  forita 


PSrSTED  BY  SMITH  A  PETERS, 

f  raokllo  Buildings,  Sixth  Street,  below  Arch, 

Philadelphia. 


Ifi 


I 


I 


PREFACE. 


.Ir.Z?     ^^'^P-iesented  to  the  public,  after  passing  through  fivo 

tK  ^vT''  ^^^  ^l"  ^°'  y^^"  ^"^•'^ly  ""t  of  circulationfwheu 
the  Pub hshers,  urged  by  its  continued  popularity,  prevailed  ^1^6 

^.nl  ff°  T'"'^  '*  ^u?  ''^*''  "^^'''°"-  This  last  impresS  hJns 
S  ?f  '''^^  ■•^r'"'^^"?  ^P'^^'^y*  ^''^  Publishers  have  now  stere^ 
typed  the  work,  after  again  submitting  it  to  the  ordeal  of  a  carefS 
and  scrutinizing  revision.  i-areiui 

As  to  the  merit  of  the  work,  the  reader  must  judge  for  himself 
l^  general  accuracy  h^s  received  the  approbation  of  those  most 
capable  of  judging.  It  has  been  translated  into  Italian.  wTwritlr 
of  emmence:  and  also  into  French,  by  the  celebrated  X  dEI 

ntrrthrSaSfive.™^  ""''''  ^"^'^^°^*'>«  ^y'^'  -'^  th^cS 

The  design  of  the  work  was  not  a  history  of  the  limes,  embracing- 

the  legislative,  diplomatic  and  statistical  subjects  connected  wUhhf 

t?hrin?w  w ""^  ^^^""'"^  "'•  ^"*  •'  ^'^  '^^  intention  of  the  iutho? 
to  bring  within  one  narrative,  as  far  as  it  was  practicable  all  the 
campaigns,  battles,  skirmishes  and  incidents  which  my  piSpJr  v  b^ 
considered  M  constituting  the  Events  of  the  War  ^  ^ 

It  wa9.difficuli,  if  not  impossible,  to  wenve  all  these  materials  into 

Thtacli^S'^S^alSrW^^^^^ 
::tC':  °"  the  Niagara,  that  abn^fhe^'srbSS' I  tl^sTnt: 
and  there  was  the  maritime  contest,  which  was  entirely  dSncTw 
that  along  the  coast.     On  the  Niagara  frontier  there  was  much  'hZ 

pidity:  among  these,  generals  Brown,  Sc<m-,jLrpMii.L3rRrp" 
;^v'  ^°'^'°''  "^  ^^T'^^h  eminent.    To  the  Northwes?  ^;  Im 

Philadelphia,  January  1S39. 


49^ /I  V 


■yD 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

"''^c^.z^^  'zr^'^..  :^''.''.-™---  7, 

TAKING  OF  YORK,  M,r,  MATH  OF  GENERAL  PIKE  ..  w 

'^'-'cr^gS™!!."^  """^  ^'"'»"«"^^'  «V  MA.OR 

150 

BATTLE  OF  LAKE  ERIE-COMMODORE  PERRY  ,„ 

"^^^^--Ve^erS^-C  ''^-'  -  -- 

161 

"""ri!  .':°,'!™'':.™''  "^"^  °^  ^-^  PACIFIC- 

■ 213 

BATTLE  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION  WITH  T»„  „„ 

AND  LEVANT-COMMODORE  St™wIrt  !^^''\, 
BOMBARDMENT    OF   FORT   M'HENRY-MAJOR  ARML 

271 

279 

*"™rjf,r":.r!*''^-«'=^-^^'-oKsoN- 

6  29-1 


CONTENTS. 


[ERE  — 


IV 


47 


ODORE 
51 

IKE  . .  106 

*AJOR 
150 

155 

SCUM. 
161 

FIC  — 
213 

fANE 
223 

RMI. 
271 

RGH 
MA. 


CHAPTER   I. 

Jauses  of  the  War  wiln  Great  Britain. 13    Non-Intercourse 

Rule  of  1756 j4 

Impressment  of  American  Seamen 15 

Attack  on  the  Chesapealie 19 

Differences  with  France 91 

French  Decrees gj 

Embargo ^ 


Indian  Hostilities 33 

Tecumseh 33 

General  Harrison 34 

Battle  of  Tippecanoe j,' 24 

Honours  paid  to  General  Harrison 20 

War  with  Great  Britain  inevitable 27 


CHAPTER   II. 

Declaratijon  of  War  by  the  U.  States.  .28    Taking  of  Michilimackinac 34 

General  Hull  reaches  Detroit 31    Battle  of  Brownstown 35 

He  crosses  .nto  Canada 32    Battle  of  Magagua x 

Successful  Skirmishes  on  the  River  Taking  of  Chicago 37 

Auj  Canards 33    Surrender  of  General  Hull ;'.'.'.!".38 

CHAPTER   III. 

j^"^"' ^;«"'^  43    Cruise  of  the  «rgus 50 

TTvr^l7T°'"  ^°'"'" "    '^"^  """«"  ^""««  '"P'"'*"  ">e  Mace. 

The  President  chases  the  Belvidera.... 44  donian  « 

Cruise  of  Captain  Hull 44    The  Wasp  captu;;^  "the"  Froli;: :;:::::  .I 

The  Constitution  captures  theGuerriere4S    Exploits  of  American  Privateers  53 

Cruise  of  the  President  and  Congress.  .50    Sensations  edited  in  England ■- 

CHAPTER   IV. 


Military  Enthusiasm  in  the  West 56 

General  Harrison  takes  command  of 

She  Northwestern  Army 57 

The  Army  advances  under  General 

Winchester 50 

Expedition  to  the  Rapids  under  Gene- 

ral  Tupper 59 

Failure   of  the   Expedition    to  the 

Rapids g^) 


Second  Expedition  to  the  Rapids  un- 
der General  Tupper 61 

Foray  under  General  Hopkins 63 

Second    Expedition    under   General 

Hopkins 63 

Defence  of  Fort  Harrison 64 

Expedition  under  Colonel  Russell 65 

Expedition  under  Colonel  Campbell .  ..65 
Security  of  the  Frontier  established.   .66 


CHAPTER  V. 

_;,  -n-.!J_.a 0,     i.,oHhcrn  Army 75 

T12    r  ?""'"''?'" ^    ^"""""'"  °^  Forsy the-of  Colonel  Pike  76 

n!   u/^""™'""^'' ™    Waron  the  Lakes 77 

British  bombard  Fort  Niagara 73    First  Cruise  of  Commodore  Ch.uncey .  .77 


CONTENTS. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

Meetingf of Congresg 7s  «r.         ... 

Propoaal  of  on  Armistice m    o^        '?     ''  Southern  Indians 89 

fieversci  of  Napoleon  ....         Z    ?^"'""'"'  'V'''"  '"  "-e  Crenk. 83 

Measure,  for  carrying  on  the  War «i    ^"  V«      ""'  ^"""'"•" M 

Blockade  of  our  Co  J.    ..               "  "^  '  3^"""  """^"  ''"«'«'«  """on-the  J.va.8« 
**'  """>'"''"  of  our  Armsio  ilie  West 

CHAPTER  VII. 

General  Harrison  returns  to  Ohio  aa    ^      ..      - 

General  Winchester  sends  a  De.a;h' "         f/"    '"•'"  '"'  """"'  ""''  '"""""  ■ 

men,  tothe  relief  of  Frenfhlwn    89    !  T""?/ "" '''^"""""' •^•«'"' 
Defeat  of  ,l,e  British  and  IndMn  '  t   «  °'„«''""al  Harrison 

wi^r .....  ^^,^,— :- ^;^^^     


Defeat  and  Surrender  of  the  Ameri- 
cans  at  the  River  Raisin. 


00    Sortie  under  Colonel  Miller  . 
Siege  of  Fort  Meigs  raised.. 


91 


Exploit  of  Major  Ball. 


88 


...92 
...93 
..9e 
..97 
..99 
..99 
.100 
.103 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

British  Preparations  in  Canada  in-i  p       ,    ^^ 

Incursion  of  Forsythe.  .  12  ^''P"'»«'' ^y  General  Brown 

Attack  on  Ogdensburgh ...'..'; ,ni  ^^"^""1'°"  "^  General  Dearborne  . . 

General  Pike..  '"^  ^own  of  Sodus  attacked. .  . 

TakingofYork  ,  Affair  at  Beaver  Dams ■"■" 

Explosion  of  a  Magazine!  ■..■■..■■.:: Z  |;7  ""'""' E'l^Oge :;;;. 

Death  of  General  Pike '   "ino  i     T  ""'"  '"^  American  Service. . 

Taking  of  Forts  George  and  Eri- -?"  ?"     "  ""'"=''  """="  ^'^'^ 


•121 

laa 

123 
123 


124 

Ba.ue;fs;;;;;;\;;:z:T.r---i;:^-";j«^'"^'>rvo;k:::;;::::- 

"'^    ''""«'>  "devastate  the  Borders  of  Lake 

Champlain 


Capture  of  Generals  Chandler 
Winder 


and 


British  attack  Sackett 


.118 


Cruise  of  Commodore  Chauncey 


125 


""""*"' 120  Lake  Ontario 

CHAPTER    IX. 


on 


■120 


War  on  the  Coast ,„,  „     .k 

British  attack  Lewistown ! ". ." ' '  JI  ™'"     n'"  threatened ,33 

Gun-Boats  attack  some  British  Ves  '^"'"=''  °"  franey  Island-galiamiy 

wIsofWar ™  „     repulsed 

Exploit,  of  Admiral  Cockburn .'.'.'.'."  m    yZT!'-  "'"'""'"'  ""''  P"'"''"^''  ■ 

Attack  on  Frenchtown ."  .J^   jl..™!"!  '""""'"*''  '""e 

Plundering  and  Burning  of  Havre  de 

Grace j^ 

Plundering  and  Burning  of  George! 

town  and  Fiedericktown 133 

Arrival  of  Admiral  Warren  and  Sir 

Sydney  Beck  with 133 


133 
135 
135 


Correspondence  between  General 
Taylor  and  Sir  Sydney  Beckwith.  136 

Cockburn  plunders  the  Coast  of  North 
C'-f'ina 

Bloo.kadeof  the  American  Squadron  ai ' 

New  London  by  Commodore  Hardy  138 
Torpedo  System "°f\^ 


CHAPTER    X 

Naval  Affairs jgg 

The  Hornet  captures  the  Peacock  ....  mo 
Humane   and  generous  Conduct  of 
Captain  Lawrenre,  and  the  Crew 
of  the  Hornet j^j 


Captain  Lawrence  appointed  to  the 
Chesapeake .. 

The  Shannon  challenges  the  Chesa. 
Pc=ke j^j 

The  Shannon  captures  the  Chesapeake  1<3 


CONTENTS. 


ndiana 83 

'reoks 83 

84 

)n— the  Java. 88 
tlioWest  ...88 


Indians  ...  .93 

f  Detroit 95 

n DS 

97 

99 

f 99 

100 

103 

• m 

irborne  .  ..]S3 

123 

183 

194 

I  Service..  124 

124 

.123 

sofLalto 

125 

incey  on 

126 

133 

[illantly 

133 

lered — 135 

135 

General 
!ckwith.l36 
f  North 

137 

drnn  at 
•e  Hardy  138 
138 

to  the 

141 

[^hesa- 

143 

ipeakeI43 


Dcitlh  or  rapliiin  f.awriince 14.T 

The  Pelican  ciptiircs  Ihi!  Ar/jus 145 

C'ruitc  of  C'liiiininUore  I'urter  in  llie 

South  Seai na 

The  Entvrprizo  cnpturei  thu  Doxer. .  .140 
C'ruiw  of  Commodore  Rodgera 147 


Cruise  of  the  Congress 147 

Oallant  Conduct  of  American  Pnva. 
teera— of  the  Comet— of  the  Gene- 
ral Armstrong 147 

The  Privateer  Decatur  captures  the 
Dominica 149 


CHAPTER 

Afluirs  of  the  West 149 

Patriotic  Enthusiasm  of  Ohio  and 

Kentucky .' 149 

(Jovcrnor  Shelby 150 

Cliaracter  of  the  Kentuckians 150 

fiallant  Defence  of  Port  Sandusky  by 

Major  Croghan 151 

llumanu  Conduct  of  the  Besieged 132 

Tecumseh  raises  the  Siege  of  Fort 

Meigs ]53 

Naval  Preparations  on  Lake  Erie l.')3 

Commodore  Perry  sails  with  his  Fleet 

in  quest  of  the  Enemy 153 

Battle  of  Lake  Erie 154 

Gallant  Behaviour  of  Perry 154 

Capture  of  the  Enemy's  Squadron 157 


XI. 


"  We  have  met  the  Enemy,  and  they 

are  ours" jj7 

Northwestern  Army  reinforced* 158 

Capture  of  Maiden iss 

Skirmish  at  Cliatham 15a 

Battle  of  the  Thames 159 

Capture  of  the  British  Regulars IGO 

Colonel  Johnson  wounded ICO 

Death  of  Tecumseh 100 

Character  of  Tecumseh 103 

Escape  of  General  Proctor 104 

Public  Testimonials   of  Respect  to 

General  Harrison ]64 

Generous  Treatment  of  iho  British 

Prisoners— of  the  Savages 165 

Interesting  Correspondence !65 


CHAPT 

Preparations  for  invading  Canada IGO 

General  Armstrong  appointed  Secre- 
tary of  War 107 

General  Wilkinson  appointed  Com- 
mander-in-Chief  167 

General  Hampton  takes  command  of 

the  Army  of  the  North 168 

Rendezvous  of  the  American  Forces 

at  Grenadier  Island 168 

General  Wilkinson  descends  the  St. 

Lawrence 169 

British  harass  the  American  Army.  ..V'^ 

Battle  of  Chrystler's  Field '•  v 

General  Hampton  descends  the  Cha. 
teaugay  River 174 


ER   XII. 

Is  attacked  by  the  British,  and  retreats  174 
His  Inability  or  Unwillingness  to  co. 

operate  with  General  Wilkinson.  175 
Both  American  Armies  go  into  Win- 
ter Q.uarter3 375 

Failuie  of  the  Canadian  Expedition..  175 
Cruise  of  Commodore  Chauncey  on 

Lake  Ontario J75 

Ho    captures     five    British    armed 

Schooners 177 

Burning  of  Newark  by  the  Americans.  178 

British  Retaliation 173 

Fort  Niagara  surprised 179 

Destruction   of  Lewistown,  Buffalo, 
and  other  places J79 


CHAPTER    XIII. 


Meeting  of  Congress IPO 

Violence  of  Party  Spirit igO 

'Lukewarm  Deportment  of  the  New 

England  States ]81 

Measures  for  carrying  on  the  War 182 

Pecourse  to  Taxation 189 

Adoption  of  means  for  recruiting  tiie 

Army 183 

Interesting    case    of    twenty-three 

American  Frisoneri 183 


Arrogance  of  the  British  Government.  184 
Debates  in  Congress  on  the  subject.  ..184 

Result  of  the  Debates 135 

Inquiry  by  Congress  into  the  manner 

in  which  the  War  had  been  ear- 

ried  on  by  the  Enemy I88 

Amcricnn  Commissioners   of  Peace 

sent  to  Gottenburg  ." ig^ 

The  War  gains  ground  in  Public  Opi. 

"'"n 187 


"^me^ 


10 


CONTKNTS. 


w         ,  CIIAPTKR   XIV 

War  w,tl,  , ho  Crock  fmlian, ,^    ,.  " 

Genera.  Cla„.„r„e-«    E,po.ii,ion    a  '"""7^  "•«  ^ar  «i„.  ,„„ci  ''^ 

guinst  tl,o T.,wn.  of  EccanacJmca .  r„  T       T"  ^'"'"'  '°  "'«'"  "'« 

ot'voro  J'fniis 

100 

CHAPTER    XV 

Plans  of  Operation,  against  Canada  Colo„o.    r'     , 

„     P'-'P""' ,97  „""    '^«"'Pl>elf,    Kxpodition    a. 

General  Brown  ...arci.es  to  Sacketf.  .«•  ^  ''"*^"'  ^-'""""« m 

'""hour ,n,    .^f"'"  ""''«  VVostwanl Zt 

Qenoral  Wilkin.on  r«tiro.  to  Platu  n'T"*  l^"'""  "•"'»  ''''>"""''■  ■  '■'.''.  '^ 

-.S;'.;;,  i;,;;;;.;-;;-;::;: ::  :■»  =:-::?: "  '■--  ""-■  - 

■srepulstid 


Holmes.  .803 

LaColleaml      '    ~"-''"^""» '"  our  Atthin «» 

^oiie.and  Napoleon  overthrown.  *" 


Suspended  from  the  command  .";.■.■.■■'■, ^    ""'''"  """""  ''''«•»  he/'u 


Discouraging  difflci.ie,  i„  .^o  Econ- 

omy  of  the  Army ™ 

Smuggling '™ 

Unsuccessful  Att.ck'^^.h^WtUha;'*" 
°""'^™«'' .200 


•...807 
„„      ,  undivided 

Nort..or„  Sea  Coast  invaded  by  60m. 


908 


British  Fleet  enters  Lake  Champlain  m  ^"'"S*""""' '"  I""'«  Inland  Sound 

l^ake  Ontario-Contest  for  superior  y^  mLT  "  '^''""""»  "'"^  ^'tuate 

Gallant  Defence  of  Oswego.  ^"""'^^  Attack  o„  Booth  Bay  re 

"■'•'-  land  at  Pulteneyvillo.     9^  Occupation  of  all  the 


British 


modoro  Hardy 
^tta^konSayhrookandBro^^;,;:, 

.208 

200 

■  209 

Pelled 209 

Islands  in  Pas 


Blockade  of  Sacketfs  Ilarhour. ...      n^  r     '""""""^"y  B»y  by  the  British      210 

Engagement  at  Sandy  Creek  and  Cap  ?!  ""'  '^'"""'  °'  «'"''i''««on        ." "  2  J 

ture  of  the  British  there !^  003  "T'^  '"''  "f  '"e  Penobscot  River 

II.  of  Colonel  Forsy,he_of  Cap.  f """"''  """  "'^''P'e'l  by  the  Brit. 

""'"" "^    "-'-----^-i^^VA^lanisS; 

CHAPTER    XVI. 


Death 

ta;n  Mallou.T, 


214 
214 


Naval  Events 

The  Plantagenet   Sevoniyipou';  "ao.  ''''  "'^"""'^""'e'  « ith  the  Savages  ,here2n 

clines  a  Contest  wi,.:  the  Prosl  J'  ,Tn  ""'"  ^'""^"^ «""'<"«213 

rtent,  Commodore  Rodgers 0,0  p'   ""?""""«"''""  his  Conduct     " 

Cru^^Commodoro  Po/^V",;.;-   Sl^il-Xlrtili^S  "'^  ^^^-- 
lie  ^ptures    twelve  armed' British  ''■'    Sr^c^'l'^'^^'''^"'' ^'-«*'j"nioVl'J 

WhaleShips '"'"='^'"^''l«"'e"l>e  British  Bri/ 

Arrives  at  the  Island  nf  M„„  I  .  Kpervier * 

""=  """"'I  or  iVooaheevah.2I."J    Tho  ur  aiQ 

Takes  Dossewion  «f:.  :_  ...-        ""-'J    '"e  Wasp  capiure,  .h»  ?..=„  ,  ••••«" 

Of  the  AmericanOovernmen.....2l3    S.^rr,: 'r.rvj.as;;:. •.•.•. -.S 


CONTENTS. 


U 


I  ninrrlini  lo  the  re- 

^^''ifong ,03 

>•*""   fiiiil  Retront...lOa 
1  Aiiibiiscadc JP3 

•<•.  and  nro  ri-puiwii,  jj,3 
!«iii«  tlio  HatiKuiiia. 
nors.i'.sii(M.  |l,.,|j    _  jg^ 
'arwilti  tliifCreeku, 
I'lace  to  llioin  on 
100 

'»    Kxpcdition   B. 
-O'liiila 204 

'"•'"'' iaoj 

9n  PriHoniT 205 

t'nptain  Ilolmci.  .205 
r  Atfkin 30^ 

'" .an 

l»  her  undivided 

th«  United  States 208 
invaded  by  Com- 

808 

and  Broclrway'g 

208 

;  Island  S<»und... 209 
landScituate.  ,.209 

'repelled 809 

I  Wands  in  Pag. 
''ytheBriti8ii...2io 

""ington 810 

•enobscot  River 
»ed  by  the  Brit. 

811 

ate  John  Adamsan 


t!  Savage*  there  213 

'■•• 814 

's  Conduct  . . .  .314 
ves  at  Vnlpa- 

, 815 

Je  and  Cherub  210 

iV 217 

I  tssex  Junior  818 
e  British  Brig 

•• 819 

Reindeer ago 

'" 281 

^'o'P 891 


't:;;.:'!,!;:::;:':'"::::!- •'"-'« ^,  T..„,,o.e.,capt..„Bidd>e.c.n,.. 

,,,.     „        .  *"  the  Penguin qqa 

*   '''SZZT::".''  '  •"""-  ^  f'".'"-  "[  r--"  ''"-.oer. ^ 

%    rph.  f       ...  *"  <-ai>lure  of  the  American  Privuleer 

•    The  Ciinntilutio'i   encaie*   ami  m..  t        .  v  •■i»un3er 

ciiguKtii  niiu  cap.  Arniiitronir,  a  ter  a  drcadrnl  Pur 

...re.  the  Cyano  a,..l  the  Leva,,,.  .823  na«„  of  th^  Enemy    ......;. 33; 

CHAPTER    XVII. 

"■"rrltir.':":'"  ""  '"^  """""*  ^-J-'^'-Anac.  on  Buffalo  re,..,«^..2« 

Oenera.  Brown  coi.eeig  "an"  a;;,;;;;-'"    "r.;^^t  ^I^ .":!.!:r- o« 

cap"'r.^;:^r'"""': ^^srr;^^'"" ■■■-■'^ 

..._,,...  *-"    D<'nth  of  C'o|.,nel  DruminomI oaa 


Battle  of  Chippewa g-jQ 

>;alliiiitry  of  Major  Je»up o-n 

BriliHh  retreat oj" 

Ainericnn  Army  advances 332 

Death  of  Of  neral  Swift 33^ 

iMovemcnt  on  Pott  HeorKO 233 

General  Brown  retreats  to  the  Chip, 
pew  II 


'nel  Druinmond 344 

Trcnienlous  Explosion 243 

The  Betiegers  driven  back  to  their 

Woi  k 3^  j 

Renewal  of  the  Cannonade 340 

Sortie  from  Fort  Erie 340 

I)<;»truction  of  the  Enemy's  Works.  ..it47 
British  raise  the  Siege,  and  retreat  to 


Battle  of  Nia'^a^a! '.:'.;■.:;;■. .■■.:;: 0^4  Ar/T^r*" ^^ 

General  Riall  taken  Prisoner. .       ." ::  ol'  a     ,    '  n    7""'  'T  "  """  *=""^« 

Colonel  Jesnp Z^  Americans  advance  along  the  Niagara  849 

Colonel  Mill  r-'.  I  will'  i.'y '  sVr"' o^    Engagement  at  Lyon's  Creek S49 

"*^'  ^"    **»  Destruction  of  Port  Erie  by  the  Amer. 


„!*     BriJ 


taken 


'ion   charged  upon   and 


Oe.pera.e  Em^ts  of  the  ■B;iVi;h".o  •ro;'"'    Sr^f' the  tZT  *'""''■" 

gain  their  Cannon 339    •^'""^^"f '"«  Third  Invasion  of  Canu- 


.349 
.349 


""""'■ '™'  s;^;;r"*;s  'r"-!:!«-:^-'»-<^^i-; 


British  recover  iheir  cannon 
Both  Armies  retire  from  the  Field 

British  advance  next  Morning 341 

Americans  retreat  to  Fort  Erie 241 

Defences  of  Port  Erie  enlarged  and 

extended 
Siege 


250 
350 
SSI 


340     ^lihire  of  the  West 

S»0    Unsucc ssful  Expedition  against  Mi 

chiiimack-nac gj. 

Capture  of    two   Ame.ican   armed 

Schooners 


M  PorVErie.";;::::::;:: ^A    ""'"y  M-Arthur-s  Expedition 


351 


.242 


Canada 


into 


.SSI 


CHAPTER 

War  on  ;hc  Sea  Coast 353 

Engagements    between    the    Enemy 
and  Commodore  Barney's  Flotilla 

in  Chesapeake  Bay 353 

n^nderings  of  the  British 333 

Washington  and  Baltimore  threatened  853 

Preparations  for  Defence 354 

General  Winder  appointed  to  com- 
mand the  Troops  to  be  assembled.  .253 
Impracticability  of  collecting  a  suffi- 
cient Force o 


XVIII. 


British   Army  on 


Advance   of  the 

Washington ^. 

American  Army  takes  post  at  Bla^ 

^eniburg   g^ 

Battle  of  BladenshurB 259 

Defeat  of  the  Americans m 

Washington  abandoned  to  the  Enemy  201 

British  burn  the  Public  Buildings 3,3, 

Retreat  of  the  British  to  their  shipping2C3 

Plunder  of  Alexandria '.   ,    262 

rne  Enemy  are  reinforced'  .■■..';.'::;;"  l^    ^""^'L'"  'f'""  »'!"«'> "'  MoorsFields. 
Unding  of  the  British  Army  under  p„        .^"'V^  ^"  ^''"  P"""  • .  -383 

General  Ross '  o.«    «"."« ""V""  "'  "">  ^"^'''J'  °f  War.283 

■**    TnalandacquittalofGeneralWinderaw 


I 


13 


CONTENTS. 


F  r 


I 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

Sensations  produced  by  the  Canturp  n,.-  i,  « 

of  Washington  in  EurojJ^^E          aT      ""/"'"'' '"  '"^  ^«^'  ""''"'■^i 
England... "'"l-e  «nd  m  Affairs  on  the  Northern  Frontier 373 

Effect  of  it  in  the  United  ^^:.: :  ,tj  '""'ZVJ  ",""/"'  ""'^  "^  '"^ 

Preparations  for  defending  Baltimore  365  Pr,  1^"^"  ^"  ^''°'^^  ^''^°''''  '^^ 
Adn.iral  Cochrane   appears   a     ,he  T      °^  '"'  ''""=''  '•"""^^'^  "^ 

mouth  of  the  ratapsco geo  Bri.i  hT^'"""" =74 

Debarkation  of  the  British  Troops  at  „1^T  T""'"'  P'attsburg  op- 

NorthPoint orrr-     P°"'e  ""o  American  Works 275 

General  Strieker  marches  from*  BalVi! '  B^ll\tT'/  "^^'"'ti"  ^'Glassin.  .276 


British  and  American  Fleets  on  Lake 

Champlain „-„ 

Death  of  General  Ross [['Zl    "!..,'!  5i:°''«  Champlain 377 

.377 


more  to  meet  them ofi? 

Battle  of  NorthPoint. 


netreat  of  the  American  Army' .■   "  "S    ^!"V?'.""''""^- 

Bri.i=h* .    ."^y 209    Def«at  Of  the  British  Squadron,  and 


British  Army  appears  before  Baltimore  270 
Bombardment  of  Fort  M'Hcnry 271 


Capture  of  its  principal  Vessels.  .278 


Attack  on  Baltimore  abandonTd::: "'  o^J    ^''T  "'"'  ''"'""  ^""^  ''"""  ">«' 

•■'■'■'  American  Territory 273 

CHAPTER   XX. 

Unanimity  of  Sentiment  in  Conuress  2S9    PrU-h    p 

Negotiationswith  Great  Britain.      2^          M  ,       ^J   '"""   ''""•"   '«^«" 
British  Sine  Qua  Non .  S    _„^"«;  "^  ^ew  Orleans 291 

Hartford  Convention f?    B^^'f  "f  the  23d  of  December 291 

Mr.  Diddle.  Report  in  the  L^gis'la".'^    ll7lT:  ^'"'"^ ^ 

ture  of  Pennsylvania. .  <«.  "    !'"'^^"''  «'":amps.  and  forti- 

Removal  Of  the  8eat  of  Governmeni  .J^^'T!"'^::- 202 


from  WaslHnTton  agUaleT.":"'  284  ^""onf  T'  ^"'  °'  ^'=«""'--  '"' 

Mr.  D...as  appointed  Secretary  of  the  Positfo    of  ,'h  1  '"""'"^  ''" ~" 

Treasury g^s  „.""""  "'^  ">«  American  Troops 294 

Improvement  in  our  Finances.'.'.'.".'.'.'.'^  ""'"h  prepare  to  storm  the  Ameri 


.285 

.285 


can  Works  on  both  sides  of  the 
Mississippi' 


Affairs  to  the  Southward 

Attack  on  Fort  Bowyer  most  .ral"*"    m    '""^'""I''" 

lantly  repulsed  . . .      .  !^    !. !"   ;  ^    nT,uT^  ^'"'"  "''""'  «"»  J-'-'-'ary 
Inroad  into  Florida,  and  Capture  of 

Pensacola,  by  General  Jackson.  ..286 
Invasion  of  Louisiana  meditated  by 

the  British gg^ 

Preparations  to  resist  the  Invasion.  ..00° 
Arrival  of  General  Jackson  at  New 


Death  of  General  Packenham. . . 
Defeat  and  Terrible  Carnage  of  the 

British  on  the  l,eft  Bank  of  the 

River 

Americana    driv 


294 
294 
295 


295 

from    their    In. 

^..i..-.  .acKson  at  New  LouLTn!""'""  ""  ""  "'«"'  ««"•'  •  '^^ 

Orleans „„    Louisiana  evacuated  by  the  British. .  .2<)6 

His  Presence  inspires  Confide'n^e."  I, ".So         irpSL^TT'"''  "'  ^"'' 

srn^:t::i-tsrts'-s -r^^ 

Ma^Law  proclaimed  by  Gen::!,^  Pea^-liltrSiS"- -r'- 
The  Pirate  Lafl.t;;:;;:::::::::::;:;S2  J^;:;::;:''^;^-;^  "^  ^e^^^ '^^ 

■•   • -298 


retires  to  the  West  Indies. 273 

le  Nortliern  Frontier 373 

New  York  State  by  the 
nder  Sir  George  Prevost.  .273 
the  British  impeded  ly 

Macomb 2*4 

'  occupies  Plattsburg  op- 

e  American  Works 275 

ir  of  Captain  M'Gla88in..276 
American  Fleets  on  Lake 

'" 276 

teChamplain 377        , 

■'i^burg 2-^ 

^  British  Squadron,  and  .~ 

)f  its  principal  Vessels.  .278  s 
'  British  Army  from  the 

'Territory 2;g  .  ,, 

s   land   within   seven 

fewOrleans 291 

3d  of  December 291 

''■""e 292 

'n  encamps,  and  forti- 

^- 292 

28th  of  December,  and 

3f  January  J81S 293         ? 

American  Troops 294      '  f 

to  storm  the  Ameri. 
on  both  sides  of  the 

294 

lie  oftho  8th  January. 294 

alPackenham 295 

rible  Carnage  of  the 
ihe  Left  Bank  of  the 

295 

'en    from    their   In- 
on  the  Right  Bank.. 295 
ated  by  the  British... 2<)B 
mbardmcnt  of  Port 

theBritish 296 

'  Admiral  Cockburn 

iithern  Coast 297 

'Britain 297 

aiy  of  Peace 297 

S9H 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


CHAPTL..  I. 


Causes  of  the  War  will.  Great  Britain-Rule  of  1756-Impres8ment  of  American 
Seamen-Attack  on  the  Chesapeake-Differences  with  France-French  Decree»- 
f "?.? '^^  -  Non-Intercourse  -  Indian  Ho.stilities-Tecum»eh-General  Harrison- 
Battle  of  Tippecafoe-HoBours  paid  to  General  Harrison-War  with  Great  Britaia 
inevitable. 

The  perseverance  of  the  British  nation  in  altemptin<T  to  exer. 
CISC  a  power  without  right,  over  her  American  brethren,  first 
broke  the  ties  of  dependence,  which  it  was  so  much  her  interest 
to  preserve,-  and  her  subsequent  illiberal  policy  tended  to  weaken 
the  influence  of  affinity,  which  a  true  wisdom  would  have 
taught  her  to  cherish.  Why  is  it  that  the  enmity  of  those, 
between  whom  there  are  by  nature  the  most  numerous  bonds 
of  friendship,  is  the  most  bitter  ?  It  is  because  each  of  these 
IS  a  distinct  cord  which  may  vibrate  to  the  feelings  of  hatred, 
as  well  as  of  love.  With  China,  with  Turkey,  with  France 
we  may  be  governed  by  temporary  and  varying  policy;  but 
towards  England  we  can  never  feel  indiflercnce.  There 
always  have  been  and  there  still  are  numerous  ties  to  attach 
us  to  Britain,  which  nothing  but  an  uugcncrous  and  unnatural 
policy  can  weaken  or  destroy. 

With  the  acknowledgement  of  our  independence,  Great 
Bruain  did  not  renounce  her  designs  of  sub  ugation.  Force 
had  been  found  unavailing,  she  next  resolved  to  "ry  what  micrht 
be  done  by  insidious  means.     For  many  years  after  the  peace 

fedeSn" vJ.  uT  '"T." -  P™"^-^"'"5?  •appearance.  The  con- 
lederation  which  bound  the  states  during  their  strusgle  against 
a  common  enem^^  was  too  feeble  to  hold  them  tog°ether"  in  a 
time  of  peace.  The  cement  of  our  union  being  "thus  eaten 
«  18 


!*: 


14 


BUACKENUIDGE'S 


-^^^^^^i^^^iii^^:"::!!!]!^^ 


away,  England  foresaw  what  wo  ^^T^  ~ ' 

finance  was  depIorabMeSive    "ttf^T"  \  u"'"  '^^'^  ^^ 

Britain.     Hann  lyW  Ameri^.  X'^'^'^'  '"f  ""^  "^  '«  «>-««t 

"s,  ,ha,  »o  u  '^.i„TH7r„  ro",;::^^:?  •t"*'^ 

experienced  Iho  effecla  nf  k.?  j"  ''™"""8  "ee.  We  soon 
express  stipulaLffhe  refused  to ZE^Tk '  ^°"'""^  'o 
on  our  wesU  froufer,  a„3  a,  The  Ze°,U  ""'"If  P°"' 
gated  ,he  savages  to  murder  the  f.o„Sse  tS  f  ^  '""'• 

JnTa,ror„ZfetrX':f,"y,f /Cil  (»•* 

of  the  law  of  nations      ThA!^^-;r?-''  "?  P.«'pable  violation 

rl  \i       •  "  practice  it  was  carried  to  the  full  evt^nf 

The  orders  in  council  of  the  8th  of  January  ITqT  k  ? 

source  of  «  thousand  vexations  to  Ar^  ?i  rcomfrieVc:^^^^^^  vS 

cur  co.„eri"e^.,  a,  once  ,  ^^r,?;.  tL'''ofer",5„""ht 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


ir, 


•  ••Rule  of  1750. 

icounter,  and  pro- 
herself  with  the 
civil  broils.  The 
wn  J  our  state  of 
Imost  be  said,  that 
ig  interests  disco- 
preclude  the  hope 
•mony  and  order, 
store  us  to  Great 
i  at  this  moment, 
led  a  powerful  in- 

•  By  their  exer- 
n  was  introduced, 
mpact — a  second 
^the  first. 

,  the  opportunity 
enting  jealousies, 
was  changed}  it 
lid  be  repressed, 
Y,  as  to  convince 
free.     We  soon 
It.     Contrary  to 
le  military  posts 
e,  secretly  ihsti- 
rs.     Spain  was, 
to  draw  off  the 
:h  there  is  little 
ge. 

the  ocean :  our 
iking  out  of  the 
s.     In  order  to 
life  the  odious, 
ilpable  violation 
3  to  prevent  the 
3uld  not,  at  the 
■  words,  to  per- 
the  full  extent. 
93,  became  the 
fierce ;  and  yet 
lose  of  the  Gth 
ong  the  British 
rIs  laden  witlj 
carrying  pro- 
;feater  part  of 
ean.     On  this 


Impresament  of  American  Seamen. 


.  occasion,  our  mercantile  communities  came  forward,  unbiassed 
by  party  divisions.  They  expressed  themselves  in  the  strong, 
est  terms  against  this  treacherous  and  wicked  procedure.  The 
war  of  the  revolution  had  not  been  forgotten ;  that  with  the  sa- 
vages still  raged  :  it  was  not  by  such  acts,  we  could  be  induced 
to  entertain  a  friendly  feeling  towards  England.  There  pre- 
vailed a  universal  clamour  for  war,  among  the  merchants  par- 
ticularly, and  which  it  required  all  the  firmness  of  Washington 
to  withstand.  This  great  man  had  marked  out  to  himself°tlie 
w-ise  policy,  of  keeping  aloof  from  European  politics,  and 
of  avoiding  all  entanglements  in  their  wars.  Mr.  Jay  was 
despatched  as  a  special  messenger,  with  orders  to  remon- 
strate in  a  manly  tone.  This  mission  terminated  in  the  cele- 
brated treaty  of  1794;  which  was  sanctioned  by  the  nation 
although  not  without  great  reluctance.  It  appeared  in  the 
sequel,  hat  we  had  merely  evaded  a  war,  in  order  to  recom- 
mence  disputes  concerning  the  same  causes. 

The  British  did  little  more  than  modify  their  orders  in  coun- 
cil, by  those  issued  in  1795  and  1798.     In  fact,  down  to  the 

Pon?nnf  f,'"'^"^'/'^^  ^^''"'e  vcxations  and  abuses  furnished  a 
constant  theme  of  remonstrance.     Neither  General  Washin<T. 

Pn^InnH  ^'■■-  ^  'i!  ''f  "^'^  '?  """""g^  '''''  differences  wifh 
!„?  nn^'l  h  induce  her  to  consult  her  own  true  interests,  by  a 

Sr  ft  I  '''^  J°- ^-^  '""'^'^^  "'•  F'-^'"  this  we  may  fairly 
~.Ta  "°  ^^'"'"'^^'•^t'on  of  our  government  could  have 
succeeded  m  accommodating  our  differences  upon  just  and 
equitable  principles.  '        •' 

Another  cause  of  complaint  accompanied  with  equal  step  the 
V  olations  of  our  commercial  and  maritime  rights,  and  wasCn 
nature  still  more  vexatious.  It  h  one  upon  which  American 
feeling  has  always  been  much  alive.  Great  Britain  is  the  only 
modern  nation,  within  the  pale  of  civilization,  at  least  of  tS 
who  recognise  the  general  maritime  law,  wh;,  does  not  const 
are  t  nnF  "'  ^TT^l^'.  P^^«°"  ^^^o  sails  under  it ;  aSd  we 
our  .1  ^'^rt  u''"'  '^"r^  P-^^^^'  ha^e  been  dragged  from 
ed  to  servitude  T^  ^-T', '^>\?ristian  nations,  and  Condemn 
ea  to  servitude.  This  intolerable  outrage  grew  up  from  a  small 
beginning,  by  imprudent  acquiescence  on%ur  partTperhTps 

ous  a  front      At  first  it  was  a  claim  to  search  our  merchant 
vessels  for  deserters  from  the  public  service  of  Brita^;  next 
t  became  a  right  to  impress  English  seaman.  whnHn/.:,"™!!,' 
nTn^r  '",^'"«"«««  ships  ;  finally,  eVery  per^son  whoSd 
not  prove  on  the  spot  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  boarding  oSr 
that  he  was  an  American,  was  carried  away  into  a  mfs?  hJe- 


10 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


i    N 


'   (. 


•I    i 


cxccpfon  to  the  general  rule  tim  a  J^n      '..^V''"  P'-^'^nded 
'rn-io  able  as  (he  Territory  of   he  n  u  -   '^"  ^^'''  '""'  '^  "^ 

posed   by  every  poucr  in  F    -^  "  ""^  P^^^^'  ^^d  been  op. 

happened  foMhet^rtUenSrs'o^re'^''"^"  ^''^  °-  -h-h 
that  it  was  not  a  right,  but  an  abuse      t^^'''' ' ''''"^^'°°^ 
right  to  search  neulral  sJiips  for  men   i         ''''"^  '^^  "P  °^  •-» 
^^'riter  on  the  public  law,  ofby  onn  ^'>      ""'"^P'""'^^  ''^  «»y 
no  more  right 'to  claim  her  sulLc  l  r'"""^  ''T""-     ^^«  ^'^^ 
onr  territory.      VVhatever   i '    '  hi'     ^  ,"" '"  '^'P^'  *'''''"  ^'^^^ 
fi-om  quming  their  country  atti  Lv^i      T?  *°  P'^^^"' '^^^'n 
required;  o^ofpunishin.  them    "  V    '"  ''^''"*  ^^'"^'^^^  ^^'^--e 
to  pursue  them  iluo  ou^^o  X  or  dZ"  "Vu'^'  '^^'^  "'^  '"'Sht 
less  sustained  in  doing  so  by^e'vpre  'T'^  l^"'"^  ^'''"'  "^'  ""- 
she  had  no  right  to  demand   .h!T a      ^."P"l«f'on.     But  what 

When  ciosel/pressed  'r  d'e    "ed  m  la'Jt  ''  '^'^  '^  ^^^^ "' 
in  support  of  her  practice  --"hp  m  ,  f  J  °  §"^  ^°""'  ''^^sons 

thousand  ships-she  was'cc;ntet;n^?o1.hr  T  ^'^  "^^"  ^'^ 
Po  right  to  employ  her  seamfn-c"fr  flU  h  f  ^^^"^«-we  had 

iiitci-ests-our  ernployment  of  foS  a„^  ^'^  "°  '^S^''^  to  her 
lated~our  sufTeriiUs    vpri  fl        *"  '^^"'^"  ^^«s  not  regu- 
prudence.-These  were  ?h^  In   "°"«^^"«nce  of  our  own  fm- 
in  support  of  sth  T  "a  d  e"'KS?  ^'f  T  "^  ^«  ""^ 
n^en,  we  answered  that  we  \y,u  t  h^      '^  ^""'^  '^^  '""^t  have 
wei-e  contending  for  our  IxisZt  h.?/J'"  °'^°-     ^^«  "'^o 
fiabl.  on  that  account  to  pSeTour nit  "°'  ^^'"^  ''  ^'''^' 
slaves.     She  said  that  we  had  no  rMu  /o°J     7''  u''  '"'^^  ''^«"' 
>ve  could  answer  that  she  inVl  ^  [^'"P'^^'^^^se^'n^n- 
H-e.-e  no  more  boui^^d  o  con  ult  her  \S     '1  ^ ^'^^  °"'-«-     ^e 
herself  bound  to  consult  ours      Ti     r  '''  '  ^^^"  '^«  considered 
the  world  employs  a  greater  „um2r?r"'  '^'''  "°  "«^'°"  i" 
Groat  Britain  u; her  iSnse^m^^^^^^  T^^^"  ^'^«n 

navy ;  and  she  has  a  ri^hUo  en^lT^'  '".  ''"''  '"''"«"«« 
fi'e  has  assigiied,  to  u^t  tMt  Ihf.^  ""'  "^'  '^''  '^^^  reason 
Ifence,  or  n^htil.^  ^' ^^^J"^^  ^"1-  -»^«^«-  her  ex- 


because  the 


to  foreign  seamen:  which  no  oufer  naiion  d  i  '^  T  ^"'^^'"^"ts 
a  simple  question ;  how  came  hot  fnT  1"  P"""^'  "'e"'  ^^'^^ 
-inch  was  lawful  in  Bi-ita,V?  \\t Id  n'otT'"  p  '"  •^"'^'••'^«' 
«"  Amci-ican  seamnn  »  !,/  I,  'It  "°' ^"'^^t  Britain  protect 
being  two  years  in  her  serVice  ?'  "bZ  ^'^^  '"  Englishman  by 

her  seamen  prcfe..red;uTr4e?Ttr;:^^^^^^^^^ 

"'ire  was,  in  tact,  nounng  in 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


17 


Iinpregsmfiit  of  American  Seamen. 


sorting  the  right  to 

but  iliis  pretended 
file  high  seas  is  as 
eace,  had  been  op- 
ig  the  one  which 
as  ;  a  strong  proof 
'  claim  set  up  of  a 
isupported  by  any 
reason.     She  had 
!•  ships,  than  from 
'e,  to  prevent  them 
ieir  services  were 

she  had  no  ri"ht 
hem  from  us,  un- 
ation.  But  what 
to  take  by  force  .' 
ive  some  reasons 

men  to  man  her 
cisfence — we  had 
no  regard  to  her 
n  was  not  regu- 
of  our  own  im- 
lat  could  be  used 
d  she  must  have 
also.     We  also 
>t  think  it  justj. 
■s,  or  make  them 
>y  her  seamen—- 
iloy  ours.     We 
1  she  considered 
at  no  nation  in 
n  sea-nen  than 
in  her  immense 

Tor  the  reason 
ng  for  her  ex- 
iit  because  the 
ing  herself,  or 
-ests  of  others, 
ut  enticements 
Jere,  then,  was 
'I  in  America, 
Britain  protect 
-nglishman  by 
blame  because 
act,  noujing  in 


■* 


the  American  practice  to  justify  reprisals.  The  employment 
of  English  seamen,  who  voluntarily  tendered  their  services,  was 
lawful,  however  disagreeable  it  might  be  to  England.  How  far  a 
friendly  feeling  towards  that  country,  might  induce  us  to  consult 
her  convenience  and  interests,  or  how  far  our  own  weakness,  or 
interest,  might  require  us  to  waive  our  rights,  was  another  matter. 

This  is  placing  the  subject  in  the  least  reprehensible  view, 
as  respects  England.  But  when  we  come  to  examine  the  man- 
ner in  which  this  pretended  right  was  exercised  by  her,  it  can- 
not be  doubted  for  a  moment,  that  the  whole  was  a  mere  pretext 
to  vex  our  commerce,  and  recruit  for  her  navy,  from  American 
ships.  This  is  evident,  from  the  uniform  practice  of  impress- 
ing men  of  all  nations,  found  in  them  :  Spaniards,  Portuguese, 
Danes,  Russians,  Hollanders,  and  even  Negroes.  It  was,  in 
fact,  an  insult  to  every  nation  in  the  civilized  world.  Tros 
Tyriusque  nullo,  was  the  motto,  although  not  in  the  friendly 
sense  in  which  it  was  used  by  the  Queou  of  Carthage.  The 
Br*'  h  practice  amounted  to  subjecting  the  crewof  every  Ame- 
rican vessel,  to  be  drawn  up  before  a  lieutenant  of  the  navy, 
that  he  might  choose  out  such  as  suited  his  purpose.  The 
good  sailor  was  uniformly  an  Englishman,  and  the  lubber  an 
American.  It  has  been  said,  that  the  number  of  impressed 
Americans  was  exaggerated ;  was  there  no  exaggeration  as  to 
the  number  of  Englishmen  in  the  American  service?  Was  it 
then  of  more  importance,  that  Great  Britain  should  prevent  a 
few  of  her  seamen  from  escaping  into  a  foreign  service,  than  it 
was  to  us,  that  free  Americans  should  be  doomed  to  the  worst 
of  slavery  ? 

England  has  never  known  the  full  extent  of  the  sensations 
produced  in  America,  by  her  practice  of  impressment.  The 
influence  of  party  spirit  has  contributed  to  deceive  her.  The 
great  body  of  Americans  have  always  felt  this  outrage  to  their 
persons,  with  the  keenest  indignation ;  no  American  adminis- 
tration wQuld  ever  express  a  diflerent  sentiment.  She  was  much 
mistaken,  if  she  supposed,  that  the  outcry  against  her  conduct 
was  a  mere  party  trick  :  it  was  deeply  felt  as  an  egregious  in- 
suit.  She  did  not  know  that  the  American  seamen  were,  in 
general,  of  a  class  superior  to  her  own  ;  that  is,  more  decently 
brought  up,  of  more  reputable  connexions,  of  better  morals  and 
education,  and  many  of  them  looking  forward,  after  the  expira- 
tion of  their  apprenticeships,  to  be  mates  and  captains  of  ves- 
sels ;  or  rather  she  knew  it  well-,  and  therefore  cave  them  her 
baleful  preference.  But  mark  the  retribution  which  follows 
the  steps  of  injustice.  When  any  of  these  men  were  so  fortu- 
nat«  as  to  escape  from  seven  or  ten  years'  servitude  on  board  a 


18 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


!    i 


I   ill 


dieted,  that  these  men  "ho  hnd  "^""^'•y"'^"-  It  wis'  p,". 
be  found,  in  case  of  war  ^th  En.,'.""^""'  "-^  '^''^^  "«'«.  would 
came,  and  Britain  may  rlad  in  our ".'  "?^°'"!?^°"  ^oes!    \C 

-y^on  her  practice  o^f  i^^:::::!:::!^?::^:^:^^^ 

As  early  as  the  vear  17P9  ;♦  .       j    , 
mmister  at  London^h  t  .he  '  ^Stf  ''^'  '^  '^'^  ^'"'^••'^«" 
duced  great  irritation  in  AmS  nnS  .r^'"'""'"'  ^^^  P^'o- 
nyoid  making  reprisals  on  The  BnMi         '  "  ''"^  ''''^^"'    to 
Sta  es      If  i,      ;^        to  be  re.,^  od  \r;'r"  '"  '^'  United 
ton's  threat  Avas  not  carried  info  ov  '   r"'  ^""''■^'  ^^'««'"»g- 
brought  the  affair  to  iss.e  at  once      Th^'  "'  "  '"'^'^^  bav^e 
so  vexatious  after  the  treatv  of  ?7Q4   .u    ^'"^^^"^^  bad  grown 
"^ent  was  told  in  plain  terms  tha  !'!'  ^''  '^'  ?'''^'^  govern? 
war  would  be  inevi.able      h  J"     "  ?' ^'"^.^y  ^^'»«  «PPlied. 
as  no  American  could  bear;  "tlL  ll    ^'.^^  ^"^^  «  "''^'"••e 
American  vessels  of  their  LnJl  [    7  ""-'b'  «s  well  rob  the 
men  from  their  .ships,  n  the  m.nn'    '  ^'""^  '^^  American  sea! 
iainly  the  offence     oL  d  havTt.      P'''^'^^^  ^y  '^^^■'     cTr. 
goods  is  of  less  value  H^„rmanrf  '"""^  '^^^'  «^  ^  bale  of 
«s  two  hundred  and  seven tv  Am    •     ''^'  ''"^^'^'  ^baf .,  ,  many 
the  British  service,  the  g^ltp^r^r  T'  '^''^  ^'^^^Ch. 
ft<smg  pay  and  bounty.  ^Sv  worl  tu^l""  P"''^'"^*^^  in  re- 

regard  ^or  the  friendsliip  of  tSoum  J    f '       '  '^'^'^  ^^^  «"y 
njeans  of  relieving  those  of  our  o"  S' f'^jy  ^'^^  H  facilitate  the 
the  excuse  alleged  by  Greit  Rrif  •     ^  'ellovv-citizens.     That 
tinguish  between  he,^  subi^  ts  "^T' ,°^  "°'.  being  able  to  dis 
was  without  foundation,  inasmuch Ifn'  '"'""'  °^  America, 
be  mistaken,  were  equ^llyTabt  t  ^^'^^'^ners  who  could  no 

four  of  the  nation,  it  las  said   w..^  >mpressment.     The  ho. 
ess  the  practice  should  be  d^l„'iLt7'>^  '^^"^-"ed,  and  un- 

to  open  rupture.     This  wn,    ho  f     ^'''  '^  '""^*  ultimately  lead 

byeverysu'ccessiveadm  S  ,tn^fffr'"''°™'^^ 
//.was  the  themeofreprobaS  and  ,"■"'" S°^^'-"'"e"t 
distmgu.shed  statesman  of  th  s  ^o  "frv  "?f ''■!"'=^'  °^  ^^ery 
find  VVashington,  Adams,  Srson  S;.-^"  't  ^  subject- we 
shall,  Jay,  Pickering,  Kin^  and  ^„ '  ^^^^'«°"'  Monroe,  Mar- 
correspondence,  fully  am" umTol?^^  '''^^'''  '"  ^heir  ^ffidaj 
complaints  continued  un  1  t  I LT  ^.r'"''''"^^'  ^"  ^«<^^S 
impolitic  submission.  ^  ^''"'■' '"  consequence  of  our 

.,  ^'^'^  shocking  outrafffi  was  it  I^nTfi, 
'nat  voyages  M'ere  often'  broken  un  ?  /fu"^'^  *°  '"^b  extent, 


I 


HISTORY  OK  THE  WAR. 


19 


but  revenge,  and 
VTnen.  It  was  pre- 
T  their  own,  would 
3mmon  foes.  War 
3mbats,  a  commen- 
ler  tyranny  on  the 

■d  hy  tJie  American 
>ressment  had  pro- 

't  was  difficult  to 
nen  in  the  United 
benei-al  Washirig- 

as  it  might  have 
actice  had  grown 
'6  British  govern- 
nedy  was  applied, 
of  such  a  nature, 
!it  as  Well  rob  the 
le  American  sea- 
by  them."    Cer- 
ess,  as  a  bale  of 
«d,  that .  '.  many 
then  act  .illy  in 

persisted  in  re- 

iftheyhadany 
)uld  facilitate  the 
■citizens.     That 
2ing  able  to  dis- 
is  of  America, 
'  who  could  not 
ent.     The  ho. 
;erned,  and  un- 
iiltimately  lead 
miy  held  forth, 
ui  government, 
ance,  of  every 
bis  subject  we 
Monroe,  Mar- 
'  their  official 

In  fact,  these 
Jquenceofour 

>  such  extent, 
;ty  of  vessels 
'  mariners  on 


ImprRDsmeiit  of  American  Soamen Attack  on  the  Chesapeake. 


board  to  navigate  them.     It  was  estimated,  that  at  least  seven 
thousand  Americans  were  at  one  lime  in  the  British  service 
against  their  will.     Even  as  respects   her  own  subjects,  the 
practice  of  impressment  is  one  of  the  most  cruel  and  unjust  ; 
in  direct  opposition  to    h"  general  freedom  of  her  constitu- 
tion, and  only  covered  by  the  most  miserable  sophistry;  but 
to  Anicrica,  who  would  not  endure  a  single  one  of  her  citizens 
to  be  impressed  into  her  own  service,  it  is  not  suprising  that  it 
should  appear  detestable.     The  tribute  of  Minos,  or  of'iVIonte- 
zuma,  of  the  youth  doomed  as  a  sacrifice  to  infernal  idols,  was 
not  more  hateful.     The  American  was  compelled  to  stoop  to 
the  humiliation  of  carrying  about  him,  on  the  high  seas,  the 
certificate  of  his  nativity  ;  and  this  was  soon  found  unavailing, 
it  was  torn  to  pieces  by  the  tyrant,  and  its  fragments  scattered 
to  the  winds.     She  boldly  asserted  the  right  of  dragging  from 
underneath  our  flag,  everyone  who  could  not  prove  on  the  spot, 
that  he  was  not  a  British  subject.     Every  foreigner,  no  matter 
of  what  country,  was,  in  consequence,  excluded  Irom  our  mer- 
chant  service.     On  the  part  of  the  United  States,  every  possible 
effort  was  made  to  compromise  the  matter,  but  in  vain.     No 
offer  was  ever  made  by  Great  Britain,  which  presented  any 
prospect  of  putting  an  end  to  these  abuses ;  while  the  most  fair 
and  rational  on  our  part,  were  rejected.     About  the  year  1800, 
a  proposal  was  made  for  the  mutual  exchange  of  deserters,  but 
this  was  rejected  by  Mr.  Adams,  for  the  same  reason  that  the 
President  rejected  the  treaty  of  1806— because  it  was  thought 
better  to  have  no  provision,  than  one  which  did  not  sufficiently 
provide  against  the  abuses  of  impressment.     England  offered 
to  make  it  p6nal,  for  any  of  her  naval  officers  to  impress  our 
seamen,  provided  we  discontinued  our  practice  of  naturalizing 
her  subjects.     The  mockery  of  such  a  proposition,  alone  fully 
proves  her  fixed  mind.     No  plan  could  be  devised  so  suitable 
to  her  wishes,  as  that  of  subjecting  the  liberty,  life,  and  hap- 
piness  of  an  American  citizen,  to  the  caprice  of  every  petty 
lieutenant  of  her  navy :  otherwise,  she  would  have  been  con- 
tented with  the  exclusion  of  her  subjects  from  all  American 
vessels,  a  thing  which  she  had  no  right  to  ask,  but  which  we 
were  willing  to  grant  for  the  sake  of  peace. 

The  climax  of  this  extraordinary  humiliation,  and  which,  a 
century  hence,  will  scarcely  be  credited,  M'as  still  wanting ;  the 
attack  on  the  Chesapeake  occurred,  and  for  the  moment,  con-  - 
vulsed  the  nation.  Thi.s  vessel  was  suddenly  attacked  within 
our  waters  m  profound  peace,  compelled  to  surrender,  and  several 
seamen,  alleged  to  be  British,  were  then  forcibly  taken  from 
her.     1  he  burst  of  indignation  which  followed,  was  even  more 


20 


BRACKDNRIDGE'S 


h 


^or  immediate  war.     Altho  ."  hT  r,   •'  ^^'"^  ""'^ersal  cry  was 
l'^^  reelings  of  Americf^te^Lmi^^^^^^  "^^«  "°'  ^-ired 
'«!;^:    a  greater  attention  was  nL;"   t^  "!•  '':^'"  ^^"^  Eng- 
";"'  -a,  and  the  formation  of  volSn  L     *^"  "^'"'f'"'  «^  o"r 
ment  was  continually  makln  J  -^"'P'  '  «"d  ^'le  ffovern- 

defence.     We  still Zre  ^o^S^^^  -tibial 

hinkmg  that  we  might  now  nosS  ?  '  """"^  '^^  ''•ggrcssors, 
o  avoid  war  by  a . acrifice  oiCk  e^  Th'"  '"?f ''  "'^'^^  ^^^"'"g 
Imtion  of  surrendering  tL  A,Wan  /  ^'''^'^  to  the  humi? 
deck  from  which  they  had  btnl^  '1'^^"^'  "P^"  the  very 
rewarded  the  ofRcerVwhorthe  vtl'  '^"S'^' ^  same  tiS 
In  excusing  her  condVf  p  "e  violence  Jiad  been  offered 
with  a  serifus  facer^t;  '^f  J^T^^^^^  to  teH  u  [ 

rather  as  a  "lagnanimou  acknowlorl^'  '^'  T"l'^  '°  ^""s^def, 
deed,  to  be  seriously  told  that  shJ  S''"'" ''  humiliating  in- 
as  her  property  I  Noth  iwAn  r  •  ."°'  '^S^"^  e"r  citilens 
extent  of  th'e  abie,  and  tKTpSLTo;*^^^^^  °^ 'he 

remonstrance.  Our  sacred  dufv  to  our  r  m"'  P^-'-^^^  ^°"^««  ^^ 
a^a^nyardtoour  national  irr:^:?^;^^;:^^^^^^ 

^o^Slt';ZZ:!itS^r^^^^  we  return 

">"st  be  evident  to  fhe  reader  that  Lh'''°"''  ^'^^^«"^««-  l" 
from  any  temporary  arraSent  "  t  ""''  '°  ''^  "''"'''''^ 
that  nothing  short  of  a  chanS  her  JS'  ^1"'^  f  our  enemy; 
would  suffice,  and  nothimrh?,  "  ^^"^^^' Po^cy  and  temper 
Whatever  disputes  we  rS  hav^  T,  '""u^*^  ^^^-^^  ^^is  chaX 
-ereof  little  m'omenrcorpitdtoou'rdS'''  °''"  "«^'«"«'  "w 
To  sett  e  the  terms  on  which  we  we'e^'^'''  "^'^  ^"»'""'^- 
the  first  importance ;  our  mutual  inT!  ^  '^'^^  her,  was  of 

vast  extent  ,•  she  occupb^dX  hLhvlf  ?'''\^"^  ''^'^^  ^^re  of 
she  coMld  interrupt  wLn  he  IJeY-  7'^^^  T^""''  ^hich 
quence.  on  what  terms  we  were  wjfh  '/u  "^^^  °^  ""'«  ^onse- 
relations  with  England  w^p  n  .  ^  °*.^^'"«'  ««  long  as  our 
tercourse  with  France  wl.n  ^*  ^'^P^^'^  ^^J»«ted.  Our  ^n 
She  had  not  recovTeTfrom  hTpCsiel^  f.  '"^  ''"'«  '-"-": 

out  ot  her  way.     On  .he-ocean  sh?;rb:ri:rb:r^^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


21 


the  orders  in  council 
J,  meetings  were  as- 
sre  filled  with  formal 
y  where  set  on  foot, 
0  universal  cry  was 
were  not  declared, 
y  at  war  with  Enrr. 
i  discipline  of  our 
s ;  and  the  govern- 
is  for  our  national 
and  the  aggressors, 
irnest,  wore  willing 
lelded  to  the  humi- 
ns,  upon  the  very 
at  the  same  time, 
had  been  offered, 
cended  to  tell  us, 
d  to  the  right  of 
;emed  to  consider, 
Humiliating  in- 
'gard  our  citizens 
iger  proof  of  the 
pacific  course  of 
'■citizens,  as  well 
3  such  an  acqui- 

ment,  we  return 

differences.     It 
s  to  be  expected 

of  our  enemy ; 
jlicy  and  temper 
ect  this  changOi 
-r  nations,  they 
s  with  England, 
ith  her,  was  of 
3  trade  were  of 

nations,  which 
of  little  conse- 
0  long  as  our 
sted.     Our  in- 

little  moment, 
evolution ;  her 
e;  she  was  a 
^  was  to  keep 
to  be  drea^ 


Diffiirencei  with  Franco French  Decrees. 


and  was  in  no  condition  to  execute  her  threats.  But  notwith- 
standing the  po\\or  of  England  to  sweep  our  commerce  from 
the  ocean,  and  to  seal  our  ports,  we  still  expected  somcthin-r 
from  her  good  sense,  her  justice,  or  hor  interest.  Yet  scarcely 
was  the  flame  of  war  once  more  lighted  up  on  the  continent,  than 
both  the  belligerents  fxjgan,  under  various  pretexts,  to  prey  upon 
our  commerce.  On  the  part  of  England,  the  rule  of  1756  was 
revived,  and  applied  in  a  manner  more  intolerable  than  ever. 
The  sufferings  of  the  American  merchants  were  such,  as  to  cause 
them  to  call  loudly  on  the  government  for  protection  ;  and  a 
war  with  England,  at  this  time,  was  by  many  thought  inevita- 
ble. It  appeared  to  be  her  fixed  determination,  that  neutrals 
should  enjoy  no  trade  without  her  special  license  and  permis- 
sion. By  some  it  was  thought,  that  if  we  shcuild  enter  into 
her  views,  and  declare  war  against  France,  she  would  amicably 
arrange  the  points  in  dispute  between  us.  This,  however,  was 
very  doubtful ;  it  would  only  have  encouraged  her  to  make  still 
fiirther  claims.  Such  a  thing  was,  besides,  impossible.  The 
American  people,  still  smarting  under  so  many  wrongs  unre- 
dressed, could  not  be  induced  to  do  what  would  amount  almost 
to  a  return  to  subjection. 

In  May  1806,  Great  Britain  commenced  her  system  of  paper 
blockade,  by  interdicting  all  intercourse  with  a  great  part  of 
t  ranee  and  her  dependencies.     This  operated  exclusively  on 
the  United  States,  who  were  the  only  remaining  neutrals.     The 
decrees  of  the  French  emperor  of  the  6th  of  November  follow- 
ed,  and  were  immediately  made  known  to  our  minister  at  Lon- 
don by  the  British  government,  with  a  threat,  that  if  they  were 
put  m  execution  (although  the  British  minister  well  knew  that 
It  could  be  nothing  more  than  a  bravado)  similar  measures 
woqjd  be  adopted.     But  without  waiting  the  result,  in  fact  be- 
fore theJapse  of  a  fortnight,  the  British  government  issued  the 
orders  in  council  of  the  7th  of  January  1806,  which  went  the  full 
length  of  declaring,  that  no  vessel  should  be  at  liberty  to  trade 
from  one  port  of  France  to  another;  or  from  a  port  under  her 
control,  and  from  which  the  English  were  excluded.     Napo- 
leon  s  celebrated  Milan  decrees  succeeded,  which  were  little 
more  than  nominal  in  their  efl^ect  on  the  neutral  who  did  not 
place  himself  in  his  power;   they  affected  us,  not  England. 
We  were  the  only  sufferers  in  this  system  of  retaliation,  which 
was,  m  fact,  a  gross  violation  of  neutral  rights  on  the  part  of 
both  the  contending  powers.     England  was  apparently  bene- 
mcd,  ina!.-mucn  as  it  struck  a  blow  at  our  commerce,  and  ran- 
dered  it  impossible  for  us  to  spread  a  sail  without  her  permis- 
sion.     1  he  belligerents  presented  the  spectacle  of  two  highway- 


23 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


S;;;'.^££ri:;SS^^^^^^^  at  peace.     Each 

that  partml.ty  ?     Simply  in  this     >W    J  *  ,'*"'^,  ^'^«^^'n  ^"as 
ferod  the  depredations^f  En  Sd  ,v?h  rn    '"'"''"''  ^''"^  ^^«  «"f- 
own  •  and  England,  that  .he  a?one  InnT'  P^'"^-"««.  than  her 
EacJ,  seemed  to  consider  it  a,  „  n^    ■       "*  '"'"''^  '»  P'""der  us  I 
"3  Justice,  that  we  shoud  compel  tr.  ''"''''°"  o^renderSg 
I'^Shts      In  this  singular  siSn      n  "^''''f'y  ^  respect  ou? 
to  withdraw  entirely  from   he  ocean   '^K'"'^- ''''^  ^''■^^^^'  ^^"'•^e 
us  that  our  embargo  system  ronl?n\  ,^-^P^'-«^nce  soon  taught 
reasons  wh.ch  it  is^unnSaTto  repeat'  ^T'  ^"^-^-^^or 
tern  was  substituted  ;  we  placed  it  Kn         ''"^  restrictive  sys- 
wrong-doers,  to  make  us  thn  nn  ''^  ^°'''^''  of  either  of  the 

that  o,her  renounced  hi?  a'otc'eT  Tn^o,°^  ''^^  «^'-r>  "n'S: 
announce  "a  sense  of  returning  jitice"?"  ''"'  '^«  ^r^'  to 
suffering  party,  declared  itself  snS  V     T  eo^^'^nment,  the 

promised  to  repeal  her  orderf  nmvirl  5''.,°'",^'''^"'  «'^«  ^ad 
were  rescinded  ;  but  refused  fn  FTt^  *''^  ^'"'^"^h  decrees 
he  French  mini'ster,  a  though  we  had  • '  '^•''"'  ^^'^'aration  of 
accepted  her  own,  and  posfthrplv      r' '"/  '""''«^  ^ase  before 
;n  council,  in  default  o?eSce?,r.M'^  '"^^  o^S 

'0  rfo  us  justice  >  It  were  usoIp!=  Z*^  ^'"'^"^'^  '''^'•^  rf*5»o;,erf 
P?rj.a/.V,,  to  France  or^ EngS^d'wS"  ''^^  '^"^^^'°"  °^°"r 
01  the  aggressions  of  both      fu  ""  "'^  '"'^'"^  complaining 

Jt  a  point  to  harass  the  issr     "„nT    *      P"*"  ''^ast,  who  made 
United  States,  kept  thp  m.T     ^  ^^  returning  commerce  nf  ?? 
citizens  were  dfsCe/arild' tC'  '°"*'""^''^  "^S.  ''(^^ 
^^as  agreed  that  we  hadTlle  caVseTn ''"P  ^'^-^^'«-    ^ 

i^'KS&L-.tar^^^^^^ 

*ory  towards  EngSd  TheT'^r  ?°'  ^^ffi^^ently  condhj: 
ciared,  that  the  ^effort  to  obta  n"^7^  '^%  ^•^'"•nist^ration  £ 
vveaKened  by  a  powerful  BrSsT  in flf'''  ^''^^  ^^"^'-"d  were 

ij,, .,      ,  "—  "•  ^"6  cuinmerciaJ 


torcourie. 


HISTORY  OF  TflE  WAR. 


23 


^S  for  the  spoil ;         I 


Indian  Hoitilitiei Tecumieh. 


at  peace.     Each 
nnd  wherein  was 
ared  that  we  suf- 
atience,  than  her 
it  to  plunder  us  ! 
!ion  of  rendering 
■y  to  respect  our 
he  wisest  course 
nee  soon  taught 
■d  into  effect,  for 
1  restrictive  sys- 

ofeither  of  the 
le  other,  unless 
was  the  first  to 
overnment,  the 
md  had  shown 
ision ;  she  had 
'rench  decrees 
declaration  of 
>r  case  before, 
!al  the  orders 
were  disposed 
uestion  of  our 
-  complaining 
I  was  obvious 
iffairs  of  Eu- 

service,  and 

y  by  the  de- 
Tjie  vexa- 
t,  who  made 
nerce  of  the 
imed.     Our 
iculties.     It 
igainst  both 
undue  lean- 
ly  concilia- 
stration  de- 
?land  Were 
lad  grown 
'immerciai 

fient,  from 


I 


our  disputes  with  England   and   France,  our   frontiers  were 
threatened  with  an  Indian  war,  which,  as  usual,  was  attributed 
to  the  instigations  of  the  former.     The  United   States  have 
frequently  been  charged  with  cruel  violence  and  injustice  to 
the  Indians.     That  we  have  encroached  upon  their  hunting 
grounds,  cannot  be  denied,  but  this  was  the  necessary  conse- 1 
quence  of  the  increase  in  our  populai'on  :  but  the  great  differ- ' 
ence  between  us  and  other  nations,  in  relation  to  the  Indian 
lands,  is,  that  instead  of  taking  them  without  ever  acknowledg-  i 
ing  the  right  of  the  Indians,  we  have  endeavoured  to  obtain 
them  by  fair  purchase.     The  United  States  were  the  first  to 
respect  the  Indian  territorial  right,  as  they  were  the  first  to 
abolish  the  slave  trade. 

There  was,  at  this  time,  a  celebrated  Indian  warrior,  who 
had  been  always  remarkable  for  his  enmity  to  the  whites,  and 
who,  like  Ponliac,  had  formed  the  design  of  uniting  all  ne 
different  tribes,  in  order  to  oppose  an  effectual  hairier  to  ihe 
further  extension  of  the  settlements.  Tecumseh  was  a  formi- 
dable enemy  ;  he  resorted  to  every  artifice  to  stir  up  the  mir.ds 
of  the  Indians  against  us.  Of  an  active  and  restless  character, 
he  visited  the  most  distant  nations,  and  endeavoufed  to  rouse 
them  by  his  powerful  eloquence.  He  also  assailed  the  super- 
stitious minds  of  his  countrymen,  by  means  of  his  brother,  a 
kind  of  conjuror,  called  "  the  Prophet."  He  had  received  as- 
surances from  the  British  of  such  nssistance  as  would  enable  him 
to  carry  his  plans  into  execution.  In  the  year  1811,  a  council 
was  held  by  governor  Harrison,  of  the  territory  of  Indiana,  at 
Vincennes,  and  at  which  Tecumseh  attend'^d,  to  remonstrate 
against  a  purchase  lately  made  from  the  Kickapoos  and  some 
other  tribes.  In  a  strain  of  native  eloquence,  the  orator  in- 
veighed against  the  encroachments  of  the  Americans,  gave  a 
history  of  the  progress  of  the  settlements,  from  the  first  com- 
mencement on  the  Delaware,  to  the  moment  at  which  ho  spoke, 
insisting  that  the  lands  were  bestowed  by  the  Great  Spirit  jpon 
all  the  Indians  in  common,  and  that  no  portion  could  be  dis- 
posed of  without  the  consent  of  all.  When  Harrison  replied 
to  this  extravagant  pretension,  he  grasped  his  tomahawk,  in  a 
fit  of  phrensy,  and  boldly  charged  the  American  governor  with 
having  uttered  what  was  false,  while  the  warriors  who  attended 
him,  twenty  or  thirty  in  number,  followed  his  exan.ple :  bu» 
Harrison  had  fortunately  posted  a  guard  of  soldiers  near,  who 
put  a  stop  to  their  fury.  The  council  was,  however,  broken 
ap,  and  nothing  short  of  war  was  expected  to  result. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  year,  the  frontier  settlers  had  be- 
come  seriously  alarmed  ;  every  thing  on  the  part  of  the  Indians 


body  of  Kentucky  andInZn^„  ^-  ^  '""P^^^f'^  'own,  with  a 
State.  regi„,ent,  \X  '^nd  iiovd"r1  ""  ^°"^'^  ^"^''-^ 
of  the  Ir„l.ans,  and  to  put  a  sto„  tH  '   "^  '^'"T""'^  satisfaction 

On  th.v   fJth  of  Noven  ber  iSli     I  ""  ''°'"'"  ^^"^'«"'"'- 
P'-oj>.et.iown,.  the  Indians  duWn' tt ^'""'"^  "•^''.'"""'^^''^d  tJ>« 
jostde  dis,,osition,  c.xccptin^r  ,h     oVaH.ll^  "mnile.sting  every 
ihcy  Mere  not  likely  to  dovvithoiunv  n^j'{  "?^'^"^''  «'">'• 
Several  attempts  had  been  made  on  ^h^     '^'"l-^"'''  «dvantago. 
to  bring  them  to  a  parley/wEi  th         h'''Y'  °^  "^^  governor 
npproachod  within  ^a  mfl^'c  f  ho  ^ow.^  'I'^^'f  '•^•''^^'^'J.  ""til  he 
ior  the.r  own  safety,  they  «t  len ?trtnt  '".^''''^  "°  "''"'^^^ 
the,r  excuse,  and  to  profess  their  ^1^^^"  t^'"'"'""  '«  '^-'^'^ 
The  governor,  in  obedience  to  hio  '  ^*     ^^^  ^°  '"^c*  '»  "  '•oil 
I'es  as  long  as  it  wafposs  ble  had trn""^  'V''^''  ^-«^^'i- 
tjcir  town  until  compelled  by  l^ectsitv  „nT'''''"°  '«  '"''^'^ 
heir  proposals  of  holdincr  a  trea^v^S    ^' ""''  """'^  "needed  to 
trusting  these  sava-es   wi?b  x^?  ^    "'•f'''''  «norning.     But  dis 
quainted,  he  cautioS^r;',  XVt"  ^l'  ^  ^f  ^^  -«  wel!  t" 
chose  an  elevated  piece  of  ground  in  n^  ^^^iicampment.    He 
careful  reconnoissance  by  major"  T^^I       ^^!^,  f^'"^"'''^'  ««cr  a 
columns  of  infantry  occupied  Zfri?'"';  ^"'^  ^'«'"'^-     The  two 
was  occupied  by  captaii^^  fe'r^s  "omlr"  .'^'l^-'S^t  ilank 
three  companies  commanded  bv^en?r7w^,'  ^^^  '"^  ««nk  by 
fi-ont  line  was  c.nposed  of  one  batSon  im  '  '  fc'^^J^''-     Th'e 
under  major  i'loyd,  and  a  re'Sn?  r  ^■''^^'"^"^'"^^"try 
colond  Bartholomew.     The  reaTw!         "'^■"'"'*  '"'''^'^  under 
of  Umted  States  infantry  uLercatSnT'"'''^  °''  ^  ''«"«''°n 
major,  and  four  compan.Vs  of  Indh'^n     ?  ''"'  ^""""anding  as 
nam  colonel  Decker/    The  vJuZl  ^°'""^^«r«  ""der  liette!       i 
cer's  coinpany  of  Indiana  VoSS^^l^^ir"  """u^T^  °^  ^pen-       ^ 
company  of  Indiana  volunteer"    and  r?'" '/''"  '«"  ^^R^l^b's 
Pany  of  Kentucky  and  Indiana  ;o?unto?r  J"' ''  "■  '"'""^'^  ^°'»- 
Statos  troops  turning  the  left  fronland  eft  i^  T^  ""^  ^"''^^ 
of  tl.    r  ''''''^  '^^  ""'^«'-  major  Davies  worn  on    ^'"^^  'i'^spective. 
of  the  front  line  and  left  Lnk  and  hnM  "'"''"P"^ '"  ^'^"^ar 
posable  force.     The  army,  Su's  iu^;^''''  •'"  "-^^^rve  as  a  dis. 
mom  than  a  mile  from  the^town     ^       '"''''  P'^^^^'''  ^«s  ^ot 

-s  /i^S  Si-PS  t:rm!S^,rJ'-  '::r'^  ;:  --gbt  attack, 
dragoons  were  directed  in  siVrh \f.       f  •'"*''  '■^^'^^ed.     The 

wuh  their  swords  and  pStoTs'l:??^  lHj'^'^  t"^°""'^^' 
s«ard  for  the  night  consi<=fo^  '  rT        "'^'^  ^"^  orders.     Tho 


es.  Governor  flar- 
Phefs  town,  with  a 
id  the  Fourth  iJnitod 
demand  satisfaction 
Jstile  designs, 
•my  approached  the 
y  nmmrosting  every 
'y  attucking,  whicji 

decided  advantage. 
irt  of  the  governor, 
'y  rqiected,  until  he 

becoming  alarmed 
reputation  to  make 

to  meet  in..  -,•  ,..i. 
ns  to  avoid  hostiii-' 
n^villing  to  attack 
d  now  acceded  to 
lorning.     But  dis- 
I  Jic  was  well  ae- 
sncampment.    He 
3n  prairie,  after  a 
Clark.     The  two 
•  /he  right  Hank 

the  led  flank  by 
!  as  major.  The 
t'd  States  infantry 
na  militia  under 
ed  of  a  battalion 

commanding  as 
3rs  under  licute- 
fiiposed  of  Spen- 

hele/lofRobb's 
.  a  mixed  com- 
ortion  of  United 
igles  respective- 
nped  in  the  rear 
cserve  as  a  dis- 
•^^ted,  was   .ot 

-  night  attack, 
relieved.  The 
le  dismounted, 

orders.  The 
commands  of 
cers ;  and  two 


HISTORY  01-  THE  WAK. 


80 


B«Ulu  of  Tippacano*. 


subaltern's  guards  of  twenty  men  and  n.,..  •ommissioned  offi". 
cers;  the  whole  under  the  command  of  a  field  offifftr  of  the 
day. 

On  the  night  of  the  6th,  the  troops  lay  under  arms,  and 
the  commander-in-chief  was  ready  to  mount  his  horso  at  a 
moment  a  warning.  On  the  morning  of  the  7th,  about  four 
o  cl(M:k,  he  arose,  and  sat  by  the  fire  conversing  witli  some  of 
hH  family;  orders  had  been  given  to  beat  the  reveille;  the 
moo.,  lad  risen,  but  overshadowed  with  clouds,  which  occa- 
8M.uAy  discharged  a  drizzling  rain.  At  this  moment  the 
attack  commenced.  The  Indians,  in  their  usual  stealthy  man- 
ner,  had  crept  up  to  the  sentinels,  intending  to  rush  upon  them, 
and  kill  them  before  they  could  fire;  but  being  discovered,  and 
the  alarm  given  they  raised  their  yell,  and  made  a  furious 
charge  upon  the  left  flank.     The  guard  in  that  quarter,  being 


struck  with  panic,  gave  way,  and  the  fi7st  onserwas  recd'v^'by 
wrapany  of  regulars,  and   captain  Guiger's 


captain  Barton's  company  „.  .eyu.urs,  ana  captain  Wuiger's 
company  of  mounted  riflemen,  forming  the  left  angle  of  the  rear 
line,  ihe  fire  there  was  severe ;  but  the  troops  being  already 
prepared,  were  soon  formed,  and  gallantly  opposed  the  fury  of 
their  assadants.  The  fires  of  the  camp  werbinstantly  extin- 
gmshcd,  excepting  m  front  of  Barton's  and  Guiger's  companies, 
where  the  suddenness  of  the  attack  prevented  this  from  being 
hnr''"  ..,  r  g*?;^^'""°f'  having  no  time  to  wait,  mounted  the  first 
horse  that  could  be  brought  to  him,  a  fortunate  circumstance, 
as  his  own,  a  fine  grey,  was  known  to  the  Indians,  and  becam^ 
the  objec  of  their  search.  Finding  the  line  weakened  at  the 
fafst  point  attacked,  he  ordered  two  companies  from  the  centre 

rLr  .r  r'  r'  ^T'"^  T  ^"'^  ^^'■'"  ««^°^«  the  angle  in  the 
rear  of  Barton  and  Guiger's  companies.     In  passin|  through 

fiomTf;.!!  '"^^T"^  ^™  *h^^  '^^  I"'^''^"^'  concealed  behind 
some  trees  near  the  line,  were  annoying  the  troops  very 
severely,  and  requested  permission  to  dislodge  them.     In  at 

inSna!'''  ^^  ^""^  '"'"■'''"^  ''^""'^'*^' ""'  ^^  ^°'°"«'  ^hite 

wir  J.>l'T"  '™''  *  ^^'^  '^^t^?''  '^'''  '""^^  °"  Spencer's  and 
Warwick  s  companies  on  the  right.     Cartuin  Spencer  and  his 

ZZT  tT  '"  '"'^''  ^"'  '^P^^'"  Warwick' was  IrtaUy 
3-    Roll'     governor,  ,n  passing  towards  that  flank,  found 

iTLl^'ll^ri'l^.l'^  !^«.  -"^-  />f  '!^e  c-P-  They 
Ht^UAiV  -'•-•;••••••;  'f^csi   F"s'.  or  rather  imd  lal  en  back. 

brlvi  r"'-   °  l^  ^"^  "^  ^P^*'"  Spencer,  where  they  fought 
h L  Jd^colonfl  n"  '•^"»^'"'*?':,  °i  the  action  :  while  in  this  act 
h.s  aid,  colonel  Owen,  was  killed  at  his  side;  this  officer  was 
c 


fcj 


•J6 


CHACKENillDGE'S 


[?i 


II     i     ,3i 
'I     5     III 


J«ttle  of  Tippecanoe^.  ._^„on„„„  paidTo  Gen'cral  iT^JTiloT 

on  all  sides  with  desperate  valom      ThiV'f  "^^i;  "^^'^'^^^^ 

Tops  „S  ^^erai  Bo?/ wal^^h'  fl^P"™  °''."'°  ''''»"''"■ 
and  'volu„,ee«f  who  Lad  Lt"  Jntt.nT''  V':'" 

ine  leputaaon  of  the  commander-  n-chi-f  as  in  nKl„  nr,^ 

«iai  01  nis  guns.     On  this,  the  commodore  poured  ft 


i 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


27 


>  General  Harrison. 

/crnor  had  ridden  a 

)wen  was  mistaken 

devoted  tiiemselves 

ctory  by  killing  the 

States   infantry  had 
)f  Robb's  company. 

Snellinj,,  by  order 
iians,  and  dislodged 
•as  now  maintained 
dians  advanced  and 
r  hoofs,  and  fought 
d.  When  the  day 
ain  Posey's,  under 
ain  Wilson's,  were 

left  flank;  while 
to  the  right.  Ge- 
f  the  corps  formed 
ns,  who  were  now 
lace,  to  charge  the 
^cessfully,   driving 

not  follow  them, 
impanies,  with  the 
flank,  charged  the 

which  terminated 

■er  fought  with  the 
1  of  the  comman- 

>  night  attack  on 
on  of  the  regular 
nposed  of  militia 

before.     Resolu 
tate  of  Kentucky 
itary  of  governor 
3  command ;  and 
an  able  and  pru- 
i  foundation, 
flame  the  temper 
al  incident  which 
to  allay  it.     0/f 
ng  the  night,  fell       " 
'  roved  to  hr  fhe 
the  commander 
ninutes,  actually 
lodore  poured  a 


War  with  Greot  Britain  inevitable 


broadside  into  her,  and  compelled  her  commander  to  beg  for 
mercy.  This  was  the  first  check  the  British  commanders  had 
received  from  us  on  the  ocean. 

The  conduct  of  Great  Britain,  which  grew  every  day  more 
insupportable,  can  only  be  accounted  for,  by  her  belief  that  we 
could  not  (to  use  the  contemptuous  expressions  of  the  day)  "  be 
kicked  into  a  war."  The  experiment  of  war,  on  the  part  of 
the  United  States,  was  an  awfiil  one  ;  any  administration  might 
be  justly  apprehensive  of  venturing  upon  an  experiment,  The 
consequences  of  which  no  one  could  foresee.  This  ibrbear- 
ance  was  construed  into  pusillanimity ;  and  the  name  and  cha- 
racter of  the  United  States  had  sunk  low,  in  consequence,  with 
every  nation  of  Europe.  We  had  become  the  butt  and  jest  of 
Napoleon  and  the  English  ministry,  and  who  yet  vainly  essayed 
to  draw  us  into  a  participation  in  their  wars,  A  war  with  Na- 
poleon could  not  have  been  more  than  nominal,  unless  we  united 
in  a  close  alliance  with  England  ;  without  this,  we  could  inflict 
on  hnn  nothmg  more  than  a  simple  non-intercoursei  But  a 
war  with  England  would  be  a  very  diflerent  matter ;  without 
forming  any  alliance  with  Napoleon,  we  might  assail  her  com- 
mcrce,  her  public  ships,  and  her  adjoining  provinces. 

But  Great  Britain  was  contending  for  her  existence,  she  was 
fightmg  the  battles  of  the  civilized  world ;  it  was  therelbre  cruel 
and  ungenerous  to  press  our  demands  at  such  a  moment.    This 
was  by  no  means  evident.     If  it  had  been  true,  why  did  she 
continue,  at  such  a  time,  to  insult  and  abuse  us  in  every  possi- 
ble  shape?     Notwithstanding  this  appeal,  there  were  many 
amongst  us  who  could  see  only  a  contest  between  two  crcat 
nations  for  the  mastery  of  the  world.     We  saw  the  stupendous 
schemes  of  British  aggrandisement,  in  every  part  of  the  globe, 
w  nch  had  little  the  appearance  of  fighting  for  her  existence. 
We  saw  her  already  mistress  of  the  seas ;  we  regarded  any 
actua  mvasion  of  her  shores,  as  a  thing  too  visionary,  even  for 
Napoleon ;  we  saw,  in  the  lawless  and  unbounded  projects  of 
this  despot,  at  which  England  affected  to  bo  alarmed,  her  best 
security,  as  they  kept  alive  the  fears  and  jealousies  of  the  sur- 
rounding  nations,  and  silently  undermined  his   throne.     Wc 
have  seen  how  inconsiderable  were,  in  realitv,  all  his  conquests. 
1  he  existence  of  England  was  never   in  'danger:  Napoleon 
could  never  have  subdued  Spain  and  Russia  T  two  projects, 
which  all  now  admit  to  have  Iieen  the  extreme  of  foilv.     P^n-r. 


land 


was  not  fighting  the  battles  of  the 


world,  but  of  her  ambi- 

Jigion,  but  the  instigator 

she  was  not  the  world's  last  hope— That  last 

not  as  the  pretended  champion  in  the  cause 


tion  ;  she  was  not  the  bulwark  of  our  religion,  but  the 
ot  the  savages ;  she  was  not  the  world's  last  hope- 
hope  IS  America  ;  not  as  the  nrptpnHprl  f>Ji...r>.n;^„  ;„ 


28 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


-f!:!l?!!!fi?!!_2L^^[^i:^  '^""ed  states. 


CHAPTER  II. 


Declaration  of  War  bv  the  rrnWo-i  o. 
crosse,  into  Canada-SfcLishe?  ';' .fervIr'^A"""'  ""!,'  T""  '^''°"-»' 

z^^^t^:-~--B-.-Ma;:::!zt^s«i^:^^^ 

waffa^r/";;!^^^^^^^^^^      ^n  the  history  or  this  youthful  nation 

become  eve^yTav  mSe  ^nd  ^t'l"  'T^  ^'"''  ^'^'^^^  ^^^ 
already  lowered  anTILl  \l  embarrassed.     The  storm 

clouds'would"itrmt7s  ZlrT  tZT  ^^^  ^^'YV^^ 
state  of  things,  the  first  ses^n  of  the  tweff  "'r  °^  ?'^ 
been  protracted  to  an  unusual  leneth  and  Z  «  F^^''  ^""^ 
were  turned  towards  it  in  nnvJ^;.        '  •     ^^^^  ^^  America 

June  1812.  the  Presidei^  ^n^'ous  expectation.     On  the  5th  of 
ence  between  ousecrea^^^^^^^^^^        congress  the  correspond- 
near  our  governLm  whi7h  //^^^^  ^""^  the  British  minister 
coming  to  LaSSnTin^hT''^    °  .P'"""^"'^^  «»  h«P«  of 
-the  orders  in  coSan^/^  'T  ^'T^^^  P«'"*«  '"  dispute, 
had  so  often  bLn  on  t '   "oin  '  'r^  ^'''  ''^  i'^Pressment.  But  we 
that  even  a^his  moJont  nn^lf  "  '"^  •"'"  ^''^^  ^'•^"^  Britain, 
by  the  most  SeZcnt    of  thl  n"  KTr'""""  '^^"''^  ''^  ^^^"'ed 
voice  called  loudl7for  'war  at  Cm'  '''''\   ^^'  P"'^''^ 
great  majority  of  the  nTon'.  '  A    fn    h'  onThi'l^r?  t'^'  " 
after  sittmg  with  clospd  Hnnrc  ,u       ,  ='"'  °" /he  18th  of  June, 

<o  arms  w^  lnZ^:'''A7:S:n:tr''''''''°-''<^''i 
his  message,  in  which  all  n^,t Z      ,^-  ■     communicated 

were  cnu^^afe  J  w  th  great  fo'Te'  an  '  ^g'^'"^^^^^^^  ^"tain 
that  no  remedv  no  hnnFn?,  '•    ".^  "*"  °P'"'*'"  expressed 

committee  of  fbreil  relat^Z  TT^'  \^' '"  °P^"  ^«''-    The 

red,  concurred  2  trepSin'tt''"  '^'  '"^'^'^S"  ^««  ^^^^^ 
sure.     An  ^ct  J-!'-, -       i  '^'^''^^"''  '"  recommending  the  men. 

tion  of  the  Pre^id;nt  on  th?  ■''  P'"^'^'  ''^''^  ''""'''^^  '^^  ^^^nc- 

in.  the  ^^^^t:::^Jis,^::i;x^x^- 


ing 


J. 
M 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


29 


that  tyranny  is  not 
egraded  and  debased 
happy. 


Declaration  of  War  by  the  Uiiiteil  States. 


Hull  reaches  Detroie-He 
lards-Taking  of  Micfiili. 
Iking  of  Chicago-Surren. 


his  youthful  nation 
Great  Britain  had 
issed.     The  storm 

that  the  gathering 
msequence  of  this 
el/lh  congress  had 
e  eyes  of  America 
n.    On  the  6th  of 
ss  the  correspond- 
le  British  minister 
dude  all  hope  of 
I  points  in  dispute, 
•ressment.  But  we 
'ith  Great  Britain, 
e  could  be  formed 
!ult.     The  public 
s  the  sense  of  a 
the  18th  of  June, 
important  appeal 
d  communicated 
nst  Great  Britain 
pinion  expressed 

open  war.  The 
3ssage  was  refer 
Jnding  the  men- 
sceived  the  sane- 
1  the  day  follow- 
proclaimed. 


S 


This  highly  important  and  eventful  act  of  llie  national  legis- 
lature  was  variously  received.     In   some  places  it  produced 
demonstrations  of  joy,  similar  to  that  which  followed  our  de- 
claration  of  independence.     War  as  a  calamity,  although  una- 
voidable in  the  present  state  of  the  world,  where  thc'^stronf 
disregard  the  rights  of  the  weak,  should  be  received  without 
despondency,  but  not  with  gladness.     Many,  however,  regarded 
the  war  with  England,  as  a  second  struggle  in  support  of  na- 
tional independence;  and  not  in  the  course  of  ordinary  wars, 
waged  for  the  sake  of  mere  interest,  or  in  pursuit  of  the  plans 
of  state  policy.     On  the  sea  board,  and  in  the  eastern  states, 
the  sensations  which  it  produced  were  far  from  being  joyful. 
The  sudden  gloom  by  which  their  commercial  prosperity  was 
overcast,  caused  an  awful  sadness  as  from  an  eclipse  of  the 
sun.     The  commerce  of  the  cities,  although  for  some  years 
greatly  restricted  by  the  depredations  of  the  two  great  contend- 
jng  powers  of  Europe,  still  lingered  in  hopes  of  better  times ; 
It  must  now  be  totally  at  an  end  :  their  ships  must  bo  laid  up, 
and  business  almost  cease.     In  diflerent  parts  of  the  United 
btates,  the  war  would  necessarily  be  more  severely  felt :  in  an 
extensiv'e  country  like  this,  it  is  impossible  it  should  be  other- 
wise.     Moreover,  there  were  those  who  regarded  this  measure 
as  a  most  interesting  and  eventful  experiment.     An  opinion 
was  prevalent  that  the  form  of  our  government  was  not  adapted 
to  war,  from  the  want  of  sufficient  energy  in  the  executive 
branch,  and  from  unavoidable  divisions  in  the  national  councils. 
But  what  vyas  much  more  to  be  feared,  the  union  of  our  states 
had  scarcely  yet  been  perfectly  cemented ;  and  if  the  interests 
ot  any  extensive  portion  should  be  too  deeply  affected,  a  disso. 
lulion  of  our  compact,  "  the  noblest  fabric  of  human  invention," 
might  ensue.     A  powerful  party  was  opposed  to  the  measure, 
on  the  grounds,  that  an  accommodation  with  England  mi^ht  vet 
be  made,  that  war  could  not  be  otherwise  than  in  subserviency 
to  the  views  of  France,  and  that  we  were  unprepared  for  so 
serious  a  contest.     The  opposition  of  a  great  portion  of  the 
population,  of  the  talents  and  wealth  of  the  country,  was  enti- 
fled  to  respect,  and  would  certainly  tend  to  throw  embarrass- 
tnents  on  its  prosecution.     Unanimity,  in  so  important  a  mea- 
sure, was  not  to  be  expected;  yet  the  disadvantages  of  this 
opposition  would   be  greatly  felf.      It   was  foreseen   that  our 
A  fant.c  Cities  would  be  much  exposed;  that  the  coasts  of  the 

southern  states  wni.lH  h°  hid  n^f-n  tn  th-  -•--,=  -  "  j 

•  .  ,  --—  '-;•  ••^'"  '^i'^^  to  tticiinui-xuuisoi  maraud- 

ing parties;  and  that  the  western  fi-ontier  would  feel  all  the 
ihlZu  u  'f  ""^^  ""'^  murderous  warfare.  Many  persons,  on 
the  other  hand,  entertained  the  belief,  that  the  Canadas  would 


30 


BIUCKENRIDGE'S 


i(  m 


should  we  be  freed  t^r^t^Lfesl^f'  Tk '^  '^  ""^«-  Th"« 
ever,  that  dreadful  sppries  of  ^1^^  "^'S^i^^o^^S'  and  end  for- 
often  engaged  with  The  ivage^  "fc'h ''  '''  '^'  '^^"  ^ 

tar,  s^T^^^arn^tsr'^  ^^  --'  ^  -i-^- 

Pams  were  taken  in  disciDlininTv^  i  f  """""S^t  the  people, 
out  the  country ;  a  deSor  n?iH  L""'  ^TP''^^^^  '''rough- 
-here  felt,  to  Jxcol  in^Utar/  tis"e  '^Tt'""  ''^f  -' ^ 
rations  for  war  seemed  to  }J Z^^  Ta'i  ■  general  prepa- 
proachinjr  event       R.Vf  Vv,        P  oi^Pted  hy  instinct  of  the  an- 

ceedingl/dS-vo.     Ac  s  of'oS  T'/'^l^'"^"^^  ^^^  - 
the  enlistment  of  tweiUv  five  thmS  n!?    '''  ^'['^'^^  authorized 
impossible  to  fill  the  rank«  of  TrZ.f  *"'" '  ^"'  ^*  ^««  ^^und 
number  of  individuals  ;Lwerellt'™^'  ^'""^  '^'  «'"^'- 
therefore  under  no  necessi?,  f^enl  st^r^Sr^K^? 
already  enlisted,  scarcely  amn„nf  J  !    f*      .       ^^^^^'^  number 
these  scatte,-ed  oyeTnnlnZ7uT     r""  ^^^  ''^°"«"°d  '"e".  and 
-dent  was  author  LdtnSMftr''°:i"^^r-     '^'^^^'-• 
to  call  out  one  hundred  thoS  Stil     ¥ht  f'^"^ 
he  expected  to  be  otherwise  servir«K      ,,^ ^»«/orce  could  not 
of  defending  the  sea  c™UTheTonttr     1  n'm^'l  ^^'P^^^ 
greater  importance  existed  •  the  lil?  ^  difficulty  of  still 

inefficient,  unless  they  han«enfnh      'Tl'  '"  '^^  ^^^'''d  are 
enced  officers.     Our  besffevoiSi        '^  &  ^^^^  «"''  ^'^Peri- 
debt  to  nature,  and  tho  e  wji    °      -^  f^'"''  ^""^  P«'d  the 
vanced  in  life,  or  had  nnthJ.    ?  .'^,"?''*'»«d,  were  either  far  ad- 
stations;  and  besides  f^^T  '"'^  '"  *^'''"  ''^^^  subordinate 
litary  habits      Tt^'praiSror^'  '^^'""'^  «^'^^  '^'-'-^^ 
a  degree  of  reliance  on  the  ^kiU  of  tr''  '  ^'r^'*'""  *«P'««« 
from  the  mere  circumstanl  of  l^!"    \''''"'"''^"«''>' ^«'dier, 
not  corrected  until  w^had  t-         ^^    '""  '"^^'  ^^^^^  was 
rience.     Such  w     The  ^huatLnTtht  '''^!''^^  ""^^  ^^P- 
ment  of  hostilities.  ""^  ^^'"S^"'  «'  'he  commence- 

on  t^Uo'LtiiT  S:'vit"V^^  '.^"--^  -".  was 
Indian  hostilities,  vvhet'hrrece.v'H  ^'^P""'"^  an  end  to  the 
ration  of  war.  ffis  force ToliirS''^'^'^^  °^  '^'  ^««'a- 
Regulars,  and  twelve  ^Z^T^^^^^tl^?^^  ^!^^^^i 
'  iiio,irho  had  rendezvoused  on  thnPOfk'^r  a     "i"  V      """°  °* 


i    I 


E'S 

ted  Staieg. 

Spain  should  be  brought 
would  be  ours.  Thus 
eighbours,  and  end  for- 
ri  which  we  had  been  so 
se  hopes  were  not  ill 
time,  of  our  deficiency 
;dge  of  our  resources— 

iS. 

ration  of  war,  a  mill- 
r  amongst  the  pmplc. 
er  companies  through- 
emulation  was  every 

The  general  prepa- 
hy  instinct  of  the  ap- 
ablishmenfs  were  ex- 
ad  already  authorized 
en ;  but  it  was  found 
rmy,  from  the  smal. 
5y  circumstances,  and 

The  whole  number 
■e  thousand  men,  and 
f  country.  The  Pre- 
isand  volunteers,  and 
This  force  could  not 
han  for  the  purpose 

A  difficulty  of  still 
ps  in  the  world  are 
by  able  and  experi- 
fficers  had  paid  the 
,  were  either  far  ad- 
er  than  subordinate 
i  laid  aside  their  mi- 
I  disposition  to  place 
folutionary  soldier, 
3n  such,  which  was 
lUght  by  after  expe- 
at  the  commence- 

thousand  men,  was 
ting  an  end  to  the 
ation  of  the  decla- 
>out  one  thousand 
from  tlie  state  of 
^pril.  In  the  begin- 
sre  they  were  join- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


81 


General  Hull  reaches  Detroit. 


\ ', 


ed  by  the  Fourth  regiment  of  United  States  infantry,  and  imme- 
diately commenced  their  march  through  the  wilderness,  still  in 
possession  of  the  Indians,  and  which  separated  the  inhabited 
part  of  the  state  of  Ohio,  from  the  Michigan  territory.     From 
the  town  of  Urbanna  to  the  Rapids,  a  distance  of  one  hundred 
and  twenty  miles,  they  had  to  pass  through  a  country  without 
roads,  and  abounding  with  marshes.     From  the  Rapids  to  De- 
troit,  along  the  Miami  of  the  Lake,  and  along  the  Detroit  river, 
there  were  a  few  settlements,  chiefly  of  French  Canadians,  but 
m  general  the  territory  was  but  thinly  inhabited  ;  the  whole  of 
Its  scattered  population  scarcely  exceeded  five  or  six  thousand 
souls.    It  was  near  the  last  of  June  when  this  little  army  reach- 
ed the  Rapids,  after  having  experienced  considerable  obstacles, 
m  passing  through  a  gloomy,  and  almost  trackless  wilderness. 
They  now  entered  an  open  and  romantic  country,  and  proceeded 
on  their  march,  full  of  an  ardent  and  adventurous  spirit,  which 
sought  only  to  encounter  diflSculties  and  dangers.     The  volun- 
teers of  Ohio  consisted  of  some  of  the  most  enterprising  and 
active  young  men  of  the  state ;  finer  materials  were  never  col- 
lected.     After  taking  some  refreshment  here,  thev  loaded  a 
schooner  with  a  part  of  their  baggage,  in  order  to  lighten  their 
march.     By  some  misfortune,  intelligence  of  the  existing  war 
did  not  reach  the  army,  until  it  was  on  this  march,  and  was 
followed  by  the  news  of  the  capture  of  the  schooner,  and  a 
lieutenant  and  thirty  men  who  had  been  put  on  board.    On  the 
5th  of  July,  they  encamped  at  Spring  Wells,  opposite  Sand- 
wich, and  within  a  lew  miles  of  Detroit.     For  some  days  the 
army  had  been  under  the  necessity  of  proceeding  with  great 
caution,  to  guard  against  surprises  from  the  Indians  and  their 
allies,  and  who,  but  for  this  timely  arrival,  would  have  pos- 
sessed  themselves  of  Detroit :  they,  however,  had  thrown  up 
breast-works  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  and  had  made 
an  attempt  to  fo  afy  a  position  about  three  miles  below.   From 
both  these  holds,  they  were  soon  compelled  to  retreat,  by  a 
well  directed  fire  from  the  American  artillery. 

This  was  the  favourable  moment  for  commencing  active  ope- 
rations against  the  neighbauring  province  of  Upper  Canada ; 
and  as  governor  Hull  had  received  discretionary  power  to  act 
oflensively,  an  immediate  invasion  was  determined  on.  Pre- 
parations for  this  purpose  were  directly  made,  and  boats  pro- 
vided .0  effect  the  passage  of  the  whole  army  at  the  same  in- 
stantj^  Ihe  B'ltish,  aware  of  this  design,  attempted  to  throw 
up  a  ,.attery,  -.or  the  purpose  of  opposing  the  landing.  This  was 
twice  rendered  abortive ;  on  their  attempting  it  a  third  time, 
they  were  permitted  to  accomplish  it  unmolested,  as  our  army 


32 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


I  m  i 


^"^f*'  H'-''  crnuwf  iiiio  Canada. 


couH  either  land  above  or  below  it,  and  thus  keep  out  of  the 
reach  of  heir  guns,  which  consisted  of  seven  small  cannon,  and 
wo  mortars.  On  the  12th,  every  thing  boin-^  made  readv 
he  army  embarked,  and  landed  without  molestalio^ some  d' -' 
tance  above  the  fort,  and  entered  the  village  of  Sandwich.  The 
innabimnts  made  no  show  of  resistance,  and  were  therefore  re. 
si)octc>d  in  their  persons  and  property;  the  principal  part,  how- 
ever,  .ad  been  marched  to  Maiden,  for  the  purpose  of  aidiX 

n  tr'Tl     A  P^'^'rf.''*'"  '"^'^^  immediately  issued  by  Hull, 
in  which  he  declared  his  intention  of  invading  Canada,  bu 
gave  every  assurance  of  protection  to  the  inhabitants,  who  n  he 

written  in  '  T  !"'','"  '^^  '°'^''=^^-  ^^^^  P^oclam'ation  was 
wr  tten  in  a  spirited  and  energetic  style,  and  had  he  been  event- 

ually  successful    there  is  no  doubt  that  it  would  have  been 

thf  Britfsh'  ^"  t^;."'';^  production.  It  has  been  censured  by 
the  Butish,  as  mtended  to  seduce  her  subjects  from  their  alle- 
gmnce,  as  if  this  were  not  justifiable  in  an  invadin-  armv  and 
as  violating  the  aws  of  civilized  warfare,  in  the  dedaration  that 

theS  n?  """^  '^.'^'  S'"%1°  "">^  ''^''''  •^«"'  ^«"«d  fighting  by 
the  side  of  an  Indian.     When  we  consider,  that  Indians  give 

ZrT'  '^''l  T^  ^'.  "'  "^"^'^  J"^^'^«  •'^  retaliating  u?on 
hose  who  are  fighting  by  their  sides,  as  upon  the  savages 

hemselves,  for  It  may  be  presumed  that  both  are  actuatedfy 
the  same  intentions.  It  is  not  to  be  supposed  that  Hull  was 
seriously  resolved  on  carrying  this  threat  into  execution ;  h's 
object  was  to  prevent,  if  possible,  the  employment  of  savLes! 
ft  was  altogether  a  suggestion  of  his  own  unauthorized  bvThe 
government,  and  never  acted  upon  by  hirnself.  ^ 

»lnnVf£V''-^'K  P^'^^^f '■«"  ^'^s  'aken  of  the  whole  country 
are  leU  slt^d   '  °V?^'"'''-"  '^^'"'^''"'  "^^'•'  ^^^'^  borders 

M'Arthur  of  hp'oh  Vf'"T  ^"'  P*^^^°™^'1  by  colonel 
M  Art  ur,  of  the  Ohio  mihtia,  who  returned  to  camp,  after  hav- 

and  other  military  stores.  Colonel  Cass  was  then  despatched 
man  opposite  direction,  towards  Fort  Maiden,  with  3  hun- 

Britisran/W-^  ""'Xu'  *•?"  P"^P°^^  «^  reconnoitering  the 
British  and  Indians.  This  place  is  situated  at  the  junction  of 
Detroit  river  with  Lake  Erie,  thirteen  miles  south  of  HulPs 
camp.     Colonel   Cass,    following  the   course  of  the  stream 

IZr'i  t  T'p"'  ?r^^^'  ^"^^"^  ^°"'-  '-i'^^  from  MaE 
where  he  found  a  British  detachment  in  possession  of  the  br  d'e 

i''/''^^'"'"""^  '^^  ^•^"^'•°"  °^  Ihe  enemy,  the  co  onej 

placed  a  rifle  comnanv  unrlpvnnr^foin  p^K- «-«"=  cu  onei 

"  -..1        1  ,.   '    '"-■     —     •  ••!•'•.!!!  riODiij.Nui],  near  thf- nijii'i: 

with  orders  to  divert  the  attention  of  the  guard  brkeepinrup 
a  fire  until  the  remainder  of  the  party  should  appear^onMle 


Inf^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


adn. 

thus  keep  out  of  the 
en  small  cannon,  and 
?  being  made  ready, 
Tiolcstation,  some  di's- 
ge  of  Sandwich.    The 
nd  were  therefore  re- 
3  principal  part,  how- 
3  purpose  of  aiding  in 
lately  issued  by  Hull, 
ivading  Canada,  but 
inhabitants,  whom  he 
he  proclamation  was 
id  had  he  been  event- 
it  would  have  been 
as  been  censured  by 
ects  from  their  alle- 
invading  army;  and 
1  the  declaration  that 
an,  found  fighting  by 
r,  that  Indians  give 
i  in  retaliating  upon 
IS  upon  the  savages 
loth  are  actuated  by 
posed  that  Hull  was 
into  execution ;  his 
loyment  of  savages, 
unauthorized  by  the 
self. 

f  the  whole  country 
river,  whose  borders 
"formed    by  colonel 
I  to  camp,  after  hav- 
inkets,  ammunition, 
'as  then  despatched 
^den,  with  two  hun- 
'  reconnoitering  the 
i  at  the  junction  of 
iles  south  of  Hull's 
rse  of  the  stream, 
miles  from  Maiden, 
ession  of  the  bridge, 
enemy,  the  colonel 
son,  near  the  place, 
ard,  by  keeping  up 
)uld  appear  on  the 


88 


Skirmishes  on  the  River  Aux  Canards. 


opposite  Side.  This  part  of  the  detachment,  was  to  have  forded 
the  river  about  five  miles  below.  The  design  was  frustrated 
by  their  want  of  a  sufficient  knowledge  of  the  country ;  the  de- 
tachment was  unable  to  reach  the  designated  spot,  until  late 
in  the  evening.  In  the  meanwhile,  the  attempt  to  surprise  the 
post  had  been  discovered,  and  it  was  strengthened  by  consider- 
a.)lc  reinforcements ;  notwithstanding  which,  a  smart  skirmish 
ensued,  and  the  enemy  was  compelled  to  abandon  his  position, 
after  losing  eleven  killed  and  wounded,  besides  several  desert- 
ers.  Colonel  Cass,  having  no  orders  to  retain  possession  of  it 
^  although  constituting  the  principal  obstruction  between  the  Ame- 
..rican  camp  and  Maiden,  thought  proper  to  retire. 

These  skirmishes,  in  which  the  Americans  were  eenerallv 

successful,  served  to  inspire  confidence,  and,  together  with  the 

proclamation,  liad  an  effect  upon  the  Canadians,  many  of  whom 

joined  our  standard,  and  threw  themselves  on  Hull  for  protec 

tion.     These  were,  however,  but  preludes  to  the  main  object 

m  view,  the  reduction  of  Fort  Maiden.     Preparations  -for  thia 

purpose  proceeded  slowly  ;  no  artillery  was  provided  for  the 

occasion.     It  was  not  until  the  beginning  of  August,  that  two 

twenty.four  pounders  and  three  howitzers  were  mounted  and 

xo  attempt  in  the  meanwhile  had  been  made  upon  the  fort. 

me  capture  of  this  place,  which  would  have  been  necessary  in 

the  prosecution  of  any  further  design,  had  now  become  neces- 

sary  to  self-preservation.    A  most  unexpected  disaster  had  haiv 

pened  during  the  last  month ;  an  event,  to  which  many  of  om 

subsequent  misfortunes  are  to  be  attributed.    This  was  the  sur- 

render  of  Michilimackinac. 

On  the  16th  of  July,  a  party  of  tliree  hundred  British 
troops  and  upwards  of  six  hundred  Indians,  embarked  at  St! 
Josephs,  and  reached  the  island  next  morning.     A  prisoner 

tTe'vflir't''^.  V  '"^"''"  '^'  S""'^°"'  «"d  the  inhabifants  of 
the  village,  that  if  any  resistance  were  made  they  would  all  be 
indiscriminately  put  to  death.  Many  of  the  inhabitants  escaped 
tJ^i^t  ^'  P^^'^'^t'^n-  The  garrison  consisted  of  no 
IS  t  than  fifty-six  men,  under  the  command  of  lieu^^ 
|Ianks  of  Oie  arti^  ery.  A  flag  was  now  sent  by  the  eSy 
1^?n/^  '^T"^-"^  a  surrender.  This  was  the  firstSS 
Jmn  o  the  declaration  of  war,  which  the  garrison  had  recei^d 

Xifi  t;r;h"''  '?'  ^"''•"^^  commandant  had  cS^ 

I..  ,..,..  bccn  II uqiiciu;  he  iiaa  therefore  resolved  to  defend 

#mself  t^  the  last  extremity.     He  now  considered  it  muZ 

t  Tf'W  ^'"1^^'°"'  ««  there  was  no  hope  of  bein^aSe 

^o  defend  himself  successfully,  against  so  great  a  disparity  of 


.-*«* 


M      mil 


Ui\ 


force.  The  garrison  was  accordingly  delivered  up;  security  to 
the  property  and  persons  of  individuals  was  stipulated,  and  tl.e 
I  rifisl.  put  m  possession  of  oncoftlie  strono-est  positions  in  the 
United  btates  on  that  account,  sometimes  called  the  American 
Gibraltar.  I  he  situation  completely  commands  tlio  northwest 
rade,  winch  is  compelled  to  pass  immediately  under  the  ^uns  of 
he  (or t  and  consequently  allbrds  tlie  best  means  of  interceptinrr 
the  Indian  supplies,  and  of  checking  the  incursions  of  hose 
restless  warriors.  The  blame  of  thi^  allair  has  been  thrown 
by  some  upon  the  government,  by  others  on  Hull :  the  follow- 
ng  facts  will  enable  the  reader  to  judge.  Hull  reached  Dc- 
roit    on    the   5th  of  July,  and    thi  fall  of  Michilimackin^xc 

fnt  '  T  °%?"  ^V^-  o  ^^^  ^'^^^"^«  >«  t"«  hundred  anS 
forty  miles  That  the  British  at  Maiden  should  have  had 
sooner  intelligence  of  the  declaration  of  war,  than  the  American 
general,  is  less  surprising  when  we  consider  the  wonderful 
activity  of  those  engaged  in  the  Indian  trade,  as  well  as  the  cir- 
ciimstances  of  the  regular  establishments,  all  along  the  lakes. 
Notwithstanding  this,  it  is  not  easy  to  account  for  the  tardiness 
with  u  hicdi  the  news  of  war  was  transmitted  from  Detroit  to 
Michilimackinac  ;  nor  was  this  satisfactorily  explained  by  the 
American  general.  ^ 

Intelligence  of  this  unfortunate  occurrence,  which  so  com- 
p  etely  changed  the  face  of  afTairs,  reached  Hull  on  the  2;3d  of 

MVllnn  T."^T  •',"  T^''^^  preparations  for  the  attack  on 
Maiden.  The  British,  by  this  time,  were  considerably  rein- 
fo  ced,  and  aided  by  an  additional  number  of  Indians!  The 
golden  moment  had  been  sufTered  to  pass.  It  is  generally  con- 
ceded,  that  if  an  assault  had  been  made  on  the  ftrt  in  the  first 
instance,,  must  have  fallen.  This  was  the  opinion  of  the 
officers:  the  general,  however,  declined  it  under  various  pre- 
texts.  But  having  neglected  this  opportunity,  there  was  no 
onser  any  hope  of  carrying  the  place  without  being  provided 
with  a  tram  of  artillery,  and  the  necessary  means  for  a  regular 
assault.  1  he  necessity  of  possessing  the  post,  became  every 
day  more  apparent.     W  ith  the  fall  of  Michilimackinac,  that  of 

fofloyiT^H  T'^'  «^'^«':,^-««^«™  posts,  might  be  expected  fo 
fo  low.  and  the  Indian  tribes  would  move  down  with  all  the 
force  of  the  Northwest  Company;  rendering  the  situation  of 
our  army  extremely  critical.     In  anticipation  of  these  events, 

mlf     n'  IT  '•eP^afed  expresses  to  procure  reinforce- 

ments.     His  confident    expectations  of  those  remihvr'^m-"*- 

«^I-  Ti""?'/  ^  °"^  '■^?'°"  °^*h«  '^'o"'"^«s  o^  his  movem^ents 
aga  nst  Maiden,  contenting  himself  with  carrying  on  a  vigilant 
partuan  war,  in  itself  of  little  consequence.     Reinforcements 


'M 


'S 


illSTOUY  OF  THE  WAR. 


95 


DattiM  of  Brownstown. 


ivcrcd  up;  security  to 
as  stipulated,  and  the 
ingest  positions  in  the 
i  called  the  American 
imruids  tlic  northwest 
tely  under  the  guns  of 
means  of  intercepting 
3  incursions  of  those 
air  has  been  thrown 
on  Hull :  tlie  follow- 
.     Hull  reached  Do- 
of  Michilimackinac 
is  two  hundred  and 
en  should   have  had 
ir,  than  the  American 
sider   the  wonderful 
le,  as  well  as  the  cir- 
all  along  the  lakes. 
)unt  for  the  tardiness 
tted  from  Detroit  to 
ily  explained  by  the 

nee,  which  so  com- 
;  Hull  on  the  23d  of 
is  for  the  attack  on 
!  considerably  rein- 
r  of  Indians".     The 
It  is  generally  con- 
i  the  fort  in  the  first 
the  opinion  of  the 
under  various  pre- 
nity,  there  was  no 
out  being  provided 
means  for  a  regular 
post,  became  every 
ilimackinac,  that  of 
ight  be  expected  to 
down  with  all  the 
ng  the  situation  of 
an  of  these  events, 
procure  reinforce- 
>se  reinfbrccmcntSj 
I  of  his  movements 
rying  on  a  vigilant 
.     Reinforcements 


were  not  hastened,  from  the  belief  that  the  force  under  his 
command,  was  more  than  sufficient  for  all  the  purposes  that 
could  bo  accom|)lishcd  in  this  quarter. 

The  spirit  which  had  animated  the  troops  in  the  first  in- 
stance, was  gradually  giving  way  to  the  feelings  of  despon- 
.  dcncy ;  while  their  commander  had  by  this  time  nearly  lost 
their  confidence.  By  the  1st  of  August,  every  thing  being 
•made  ready  for  the  attack  on  Maiden,  a  council  of  war  was 
convened,  and  the  result  was  a  determination  to  make  it  im- 
mediately. Desertions  from  the  Canada  militia  still  continued, 
and  the  whole  force  was  animated  with  the  prospect  of  under- 
taking an  enterprise,  which  it  was  believed  could  not  but  be 
successful.  The  cannon  was  well  mounted,  and  embarked  on 
floating  batteries.  The  general  had  approved  the  deliberations 
of  the  council,  and  the  day  was  actually  appointed  for  carry- 
ing them  into  execution. 

Some  time  before  this,  a  company  of  Ohio  volunteers,  under 
the  command  of  captain  Brush,  had  arrived  at  the  river  Rai- 
sin, with  supplies  for  the  army.  As  their  march  to  Detroit,  a 
distance  of  thirty-six  miles,  was  attended  with  considerable 
dangers,  from  parties  of  the  enemy,  it  was  deemed  prudent  to 
remain  here  until  an  escort  could  be  sent  to  guard  them.  This 
duty  was  confided  to  major  Vanhorn,  with  a  detachment  of  one 
hundred  and  fifiy  men.  On  his  second  day's  march,  near 
Brownstown,  he  was  suddenly  attacked  on  all  sides  by  British 
regulars  and  Indians.  His  little  force  made  a  determined  re- 
sistance, and  being  commanded  by  a  brave  and  skilful  officer, 
was  at  length  brought  off,  with  the  loss  of  nineteen  killed  and 
missmg,  and  nine  wounded.  Captains  Gilcrease,  M'Culloch, 
and  Bosler  were  killed,  and  captain  Ulry  severely  wounded. 

Scarcely  had  this  detachment  left  the  camp  at  Sandwich, 
when  a  sudden  and  unlooked-for  change  took  place  in  the  deter- 
mmation  of  the  commander-in-chief.  Without  any  apparent 
cause,  or  the  occurrence  of  any  new  event,  he  announced  his 
mtention  of  abandoning  not  only  the  design  upon  Maiden,  but 
even  the  position  which  he  then  held.  This  operated  very 
unfavourably  upon  the  army ;  the  volunteers  murmured  ;  they 
upbraided  their  commander  with  pusillanimity,  and  even  trea- 
,  chery ;  and  it  was  with  difficulty  they  could  'be  restrained  by 
.  their  own  officers,  in  whom  they  confided.  The  disappoint- 
ment  and  vexation  which  ensued,  can  better  be  imagined  than 
described  :  all  confidence  in  their  leader  was  evidently  at  an 
end:  if  treacherous,  he  might  deliver  them  up  to  be  massacred; 
and  It  was  evident  he  was  deficient  in  the  skill  and  ability  ne- 
cessary to  command.   It  was  with  much  reluctance  this  gallant 


36 


t     UJ 


!  i  'lii 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 

Battle  of  Magflgua. 


."■f 


Ifll 


of  this  expcditiM  into  Canada Tf  wil      ""'  "'°  '""inwion 
was  every  W„.  eTpected  „  '.he  SuS  S?'  ?,"  ""T"' 

a  detachment  ofXu7lh^  h™,li.7    '■■'■'  ""'TL^  ««'''<:aa>ed , 
session  orSandwXrin"p„Xtt1,Tv\r:  ffl^:^"- 

.he°:^f/trcor.^rai!o:;"wi*r-^^^^^ 

fees"  MfOlh^U^nSS  1*-  '^"-"•-- 
hundred  reguars  of  the  ^Snfv.u'"^-'  '^^^^'sti"?  o^  three 
tinguished  Su^ditCrBr^^^^^^^  SS'oS  '^'  ''^■ 

and  Indians  lothlThdV  force  wL^rtf^T'^V'  °'  ^^^'^^' 
dred  and  fifiv  men  ■    h?«  W     "^^^^^  '«  ^hort  of  seven  hun- 

during  an  en^gagem;nt  Ir^rM^dt  C^.?  '"^^^"^^'^ 

site  Brownstown.     ThevhTd  al  n   fl       "'^  ''  situated  oppc 

ire°?::r„tS;zrrr;nt:j™"»s''.'"'»it,, 
.t%°=- „5rSn"Sotrp^prh'-er;£>,n^^^^^^ 

menced  a  heavy  fire      Colonel  S""  ""  Tu^i"  ^'"^'  "°^  ^°'"- 
ana  coolness.  d^oJnp  S'ri.^oSdTh.t  teTanl'S 


S'S 


almost  in  disgrace,  the 
icmsclves  on  the  point 
to  shore  on  the  8th  of 
gence  of  the  affair  of 
ch  was  the  termination 
!e  success,  an  account 
3d  States.    Happy  had 
had  terminated  here! 
IT,  entirely  evacuated ; 
n  was  left  to  keep  pos- 
^icw  of. affording  some 
3en  induced  by  Hull's 

s-tiered  indispensable, 
^  nver  Raisin.  In  a 
eri  of  the  supplies' in 
I'l  events,  its  situation 
emg  thus  cut  off  from 

0.  To  effect  this  ob- 
tier  lieutenant-colonel 
r,  consisting  of  three 
;iment,  which  had  dis- 
battle  of  Tippecanoe, 
3  enemy,  anticipating 
rcemcnts  of  regulars 

short  of  seven  hun- 
>reover,  be  increased 
ich  is  situated  oppo- 
m  up  a  temporary 
niles  from  this  town, 
le  greater  part  of  the 
vaiting  the  approach 

by  major  Muir,  of 

!  its  march,  but  with 
3.  They,  however, 
covered ;  when  sud- 
)tain  Snelling,  who 
larbarous  shouts  of 
!  sudden  onset,  kept 

1,  when  the  Indians 
ivanced  to  the  front 
ular  line,  and  com- 
the  utmost  celerity 
risk  fire,  and  then 


t 


IJiSTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


37 


Battle  of  MngiijfiiQ , 


■  Taking  of  Chicago. 


charged.  The  British  regulars  gave  way,  but  the  Indians  under 
lecumscn.  betaking  them.selves  to  the  woods  on  each  s.de  1  op 
thoi,-  ground  with  desperate  obstinacy.  The  regulas  beTn 
ra  hed,  returned  to  the  combat,  which  continued  fo^rsomeumt, 
with  equal  resolution.  The  conduct  of  our  countrymen  on 
this  occasion  cannot  be  too  much  admired  :  the  stoutesThearts 
might  have  failed  when  thus  attacked  on  all  sides  by  more  t ha 
hve  hundred  savages,  painted  in  the  most  hideous  manner  and 
ye   .ng  like  demons ;  engaged  at  the  same  time  with  a  body  of 

Kctiy  01  the  HiitLsh,  the  American  leader  repelled  their  attacks 
on  every  side,  his  troops  gallantly  maintaining  their  ground 

i;:r  H^ad^t^v^^'^''^^^ ''  ^^^^^o^^^^^^:^ 

the  M     In  thi.s  battle,  which  lasted  about  two  hours  we  had 
fiftoen  killed,  and  about  sixty  wounded.      The   oflic'e  s  who 

m  lire  engagement  of  the  day  before.     It  was  ihonE  ,^™ 
ad^blo  to  »e„d  a  fresh  detaeLent  to  aceompLh  °hlu!.raS 

in§  Lrs  wi.rhr'"  ■"-"'•T  '»•""-"-":  fS; 


38 


BUACKENIUDGE'S 


r 


Surrender  of  Qeneral  Hull. 


i    fiif 


all  the  milit.a ;  a  number  of  women  and  children  were  inhu 
manly  murdcroc.      Captain  Wells  and  ensi^nWrni^r  wer^ 
among  ti.e  killod.     Ileald  with  his  ludy,  wholmd  recdvod  1 
wounds    h.msdf  severely  wounded,  alter  a  variety  of  escanes 
at  l.'ngth  reached  Miehiiimackinac.  ^       escapes, 

nl  J^In  T'7  ^^^^"-'"fe'"«'  'hough  brilliant  and  highly  honour- 

Ja  'tal     rtrr'""  T''  ^r  P^^^^"'--''^^  «^  "'^  essentia    ad. 
va    age.    1  wo  lays  allerwards,  a  despatch  was  sent  to  captain 

B  ush   who  was  stiU  m  waiting  for  the  escort  at  the  RiverC 

sm   nifor,n.ng  h.m  that  in  consequence  of  the  fatioue  of  "ho 

victorious  detachment,  it  had  been '  rendered  incapable  of  pro 

ceoding  (brther  and  that  it  was  become  imposX    o  sen7a 

suflicent  force  by  the  usual  route ;  that  he  must  therefore  remain 

where  he  was  until  circumstances  should  be  more  favourSe 

be  made  to  open  the  communication  in  another  quarter  bv 
crossmg  the  nver  Huron  higher  up  the  country.  And  accord 
•ngy  on  the  14th  colonels  Miller  and  Cass  were  de^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
witn  three  hundred  and  fifty  men,  for  this  purpose.  Some  time 
before  this,  an  express  had  been  received  from  generaT  HaT 
commanding  at  Niagara,  bringing  information  th^atTwas  nm 
in  his  power  to  send  reinforcements. 

On  the  19th,  the  British  took  a  position  opposite -Detroit 
and  immediately  set  themselves  about  erecting  batteries      On 

nZ^PPTl'^'  "^"  "'•  ^^"">^'  ^ho  commanded  at  rndwich 
abandoned  his  position,  and  crossed  over  to  Detroit  it  hS 
been  determined  to  act  entirely  on  the  defensive      The  Brhisg 
conhnued  their  preparations  for  the  attack.   On  the  ISthra  S 

A  nor.  Z"  fu    ^^  *^T  ^°  ^"'""^^^  the  place  to  surrenS 
A  note  to  the  following  effect  was  directed  to  general  Hull  bv 
the  British  commander :  «  Sir-The  forces  at  my  disposal  autho 
me  me  to  require  of  you  the  surrender  of  Delo it^    I  Ttr 
frorn  my  inclination  to  join  in  a  war  of  extermina  on,  buTyou 
must  be  aware    hat  the  numerous  body  of  ^ndians  vvho  hav^ 
attached  themselves  to  my  troops  wil/be  beyond  my  control 
the  moment  the  contest  commences.     You  will  finTme  dis 
posed  to  enter  into  such  conditions  as  will  sa  isfy  thTmo  t" 
scrupulons  sense  o    honour.   Lieutenant-colonel  M'Donald  a" 
hTm      F  f  f  ^""y  authorized  to  enter  into  any  arrangement 
^at  may  tend  to  prevent  the  unnecessary^  effusion  S  blood  " 
Tlas  was  signed  by  major-general  Brock.' 

wolid  be  deSr ":  z  rrz,:z^''^^'^^^  /'^•^ '-' 

diately  opened  their  batte^^,  ^dl2.nu;d' to^t 'S 
during  a  great  part  of  the  night.     The  fire  was  returned,  bu! 


s 


i  children  were  inhu- 

cnsijr,!  VVurncr  were 

wlio  Jind  received  six 

a  variety  of  escapes, 

nt  and  highly  honour- 
'0  of  no  essential  ad- 
;h  was  sent  to  captain 
cort  at  the  Kiver  Rai. 

of  the  fatigue  of  the 
*ed  incapable  of  pro- 
impossible  to  send  a 
must  therefore  remain 
I  be  more  favourable, 
hat  an  attempt  would 

another  quarter,  by 
untry.  And  accord- 
'ass  were  despatched 

purpose.   Sometime 

from  general  Hall, 
ation  that  it  was  not 

ion  opposite  -Detroit, 
cting  batteries.  On 
nandcd  at  Sandwich, 
to  Detroit,  it  having 
■nsivc.  The  British 
On  the  15th,  a  flag 
3  place  to  surrender, 
to  general  Hull  by 
It  my  disposal  autho- 
r  Detroit.  It  is  far 
ermination,  but  you 
r  Indians  who  liave 
beyond  my  control 
u  will  find  me  dis- 
ill  satisfy  the  most 
lonel  M'bonald  and 
o  any  arrangements 
effusion  of  blood." 

nied,  that  the  fort 
The  British  iimne- 
ed  to  throw  shells 
!  was  returned,  but 


HISTORY  OP  THE  WAR. 


39 


Surrender  of  General  Hull. 


With  httlo  eflect  on  either  side.     In  the  morning,  it  was  dis- 
covereJ  that  the  British  were  landing  their  troops  at  Spring 
VV  ells    under  cover  of  their  ships.     To  prevent   the  landinS 
from  the  fort,  at  this  moment,  was  a  matter  impossible:  the 
town  lying    between   it  and  the  river.     But  if  Hull  had  not 
neglected  the  advice  of  his  officers,  he  might  have  eilectuallv 
prcvcned  it,  by  erecting  batteries  on  the  bank,  where  they 
would  be  compelled  to  debark.     A  strange  fatality  seemed  to 
attend  this  untortunate  man  in  every  thing  he  did,  or  neglected 
o  do.     The  enemy  having  landed,  about  ten  o'clock  advanced 
.  towards  the  fort  in  close  column,  and  twelve  deep.     The  fort 
being  separated  from  the  town,  by  an  open  space  of  nbout  two 
I   hundred  yards,  they  would  be  enabled  to  approach  within  this 
I  d^anco,  before  Its  guns  could  be  brought  ti^  bear  upon  then^ 
unless  they  could  approach  in  the  rear.     The  American  force 
'    The  mMir""'  •'"'^'^'°"«'y  '^i^P^^^d  to  prevent  their  advance. 
1  he  mil.tia,  and  a  great  part  of  the  volunteers,  occupied  the 
own,  or  were  posted  behind  pickets,  whence  they  could  annoy 
tlZT'  ^'"^''  '\"  '■"""'"'•^  ^'^^^"'^^'i  »he  fort,  and  ?wo 

'    dS  f  "o°n  ?n°""''"''  "'^"'■^'^1  ^'"''  ^'^P'^'  ''^'^  advantageously 

i    posted  on  nn  eminence,  and  could  sweep  the  whole  of  the 

I   enemy's   line,  as  he  advanced.     All  was  now  s  lent  expecta! 

.on:  the  daring  foe  still  slowly  moved  forward,  appa Sly 

regardless,  or  unconscious  of  their  danger;    for  their  desmc 

tion  must  have  been  certain,  had  they  not  been  impressed  with 

contempt  for  a  commander,  who  had  so  meanly  aba^rdoned 

Sandwich  a  few  days  before.     The  hearts  of  our  countrymen 

who  cfn'  T  '^'ril  ''y'  ""'  ^^^^'"'"g  *h-r  crel  '  Bu" 
who  can  describe  the  chagrin  and  mortification  which  took 
possession  of  these  troops,  when  orders  were  issued  for  thern 
'.0  retire  to  the  fort;    and  the  artillery,  at  the  very  momem 

to  th".  17'  'f""^.^'  '^'  ^'-'''^h  were-deliberato[y  aTandni 
vhn^  r     T^'Tu  d««^':»«''«".  ^«s  ordered  not  to  fire!     Thf 
whole  force,  together  with  a  great  nun^ber  of  women  and  chil 

them'  Terf  tf  ?'  "'^  ''''  '°^''  ^^'"-^  ^^  narrrto  contain 
hem.  Here  the  troops  were  ordered  to  stack  their  arms  and 
^  the  astonishment  of  every  one,  a  white  flag,  in  token  of  sub- 
mi  sion,  was  suspended  from  the  walLc  1  British  officer 
rode  up  to  ascertain  the  cause.      A  capitulation  wa    agreed  to 

Ss  he'T  1  P"'''r"^  '^''  '''""'•  ^°rJ«  "«  wantinVto  ex-' 
l:Zlt  SSil  t  i™-  -  'f  -asion  ;    they 

an  inferior  r^V; lu'  .1  ■^'  ""^^^^yca,  in  tiius  surrendering  to 

conv"Stha,  tir.fr""'  ^''"^.^  ^""'  ^^''^"  '^'^y  '^-^'^  firmly 
vSs  for  aft  '^,^^'"'■'"7^'  '"  ^^^''  P°^^^-  They  had  pro- 
visions  for  at  least  fifteen  days,  and  were  provided  with  all  tho 


40 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Sin-reniier  of  General  Hull. 


rcqms.te  munitions  of  war.     They  were  compelled  thus  hu- 
nj.hated   to  march  out,  and  to  surrender  themselves  pri  oners 

ti'""'T''n  J^\^'''''^  ^"^•-  ^""'""'^^''^  possession  of  the 
fort,  with  al  the  pubhc  property  it  contained  amongst  which 
there  were  lorty  barrels  of  powder,  four  hundred  i^unds  of 
hxed  twenty.four  pound  shot,  one  hundred  thousand  ball  car 
tndges,  two  thousand  five  hundred  stand  of  arms,  twX-fiv 
nfTwu  i"""?,^^""""'  «nd  eight  of  brass,  the  greater  nmnber 
;LtnL-yt'r""  ''''''''  ''  ''^  Amencans^during  the  Z 

IT  ^.^A  'e^°^^  territory,  and  all  the  forts  and  garrisons  of  the 
United  States,  within  the  district  of  the  general,  T-ere  a  so 
formally    surrendered:    and   the   detachment   und  r  coToSe  1° 
Cass  and  M'Arthur,  as  well  as  the  party  under  captain  BruS 
were  mcluded  .n  the  capitulation.     Orders  had  bee  J  d  spSed 
he  evenmg  before,  for  the  detachment  under  Cass  and  Er. 
thur  to  return,  and  they  had  approached  almost  sufficiently 
near  to  discover  the  movements  of  the  enemy,  while  the  r  aC 
cidenta     situation   might   enable    them    to   render    temos 
rnaterial  service  during  the  attack.     They  were  surprised  a 
he  silence  which  prevailed,  when  every  moment  was  expected 
to  announce  the  conflict;  and  that  surprise  was  sooHhanged 
into  rage,  when    they  learned   the  capitulation.      A  BiSh 
officer  was  then  despatched  to  the  river  Raisin,  to  convey  the 
intelligence  to  captain  Brush,  who  at  first  gave  no  credit  (o  so 
irnprobable  a  taie,  and  actually  put  the  officer  in  confinement 
The  melancholy  story  was,  however,  soon  confirmed  by  Tome 
Americans  who  had  escaped.     Captain  Brush  indignanllyTe^ 
fused  to  submit  to  the  capitulation,  declaring  that  Hull  had  no 
ng  t  to  include  him  and  determined  to  return  to  the  state  of 
Uhio.      He  first  deliberated,  whether  he  should  destroy  the 
public  stores,  which  he  had  in  his  possession,  and  which  he 
coidd  not  carry  away;  but  reflecting  that  this  might  be  used 
as  a  pretext  lor  harsh  treatment  to  his  countrymen,  he  resdvea 
to  abandon  them.     The  greater  part  of  the  volunteers  and 
m  1  tia  were  permitted  to  return  home;  but  the  regulars    to- 
gether  with  the  general,  were  taken  to  Quebec.         ^         ' 

In  his  official  despatch,  Hull  took  great  pains  to  free  his  con- 
duct  from  censure.  In  swelling  the  account  of  tiS  dTngeJ 
w   1.  wuch  he  conceived   himself  beset,  every  idle  riZu      • 

t!o      whi"]^  ?'-''-"'^  ""  '"^  ^"""''^  "'^^  f'''-'-'  ""der  contribu' 
lion,  while  his  imagination  conjured  up  a  thni.«nnH  fri"h*fi,l 

phantums.     He  magniried  the  reinforcements   under  colonel 

Proctor,  and  gave  implicit  belief  to  the  story  that  the  whole 

force  of  the  Northwestern  Fur  Company,  uncler  major  Cham- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


41 


Surrender  of  General  Hull. 


compelled  thus  hu- 
hemselvcs  prisoners 
te  possession  of  the 
led ;  amongst  which 
hundred  rounds  ol" 
d  thousand  ball  car 
f  arms,  twonty-fiv 
the  greater  number 
:ans  during  the  re- 
nd garrisons  of  the 

general,  were  also 
ent  under  colonels 
nder  captain  Brush, 
lad  been  despatched 
jr  Cass  and  M'Ar. 

almost  sufficiently 
fiy,  while  their  ac- 

render    tlie   most 

were  surprised  at 
>ment  was  expected 

was  soon  changed 
lation.      A  British 
sin,  to  convey  the 
we  no  credit  to  so 
er  in  confinement, 
confirmed  by  some 
sh  indignantly  re- 
;  that  Hull  had  no 
■n  to  the  state  of 
hould  destroy  the 
ion,  and  which  ho 
lis  might  be  used 
ymen,  he  resolvea 
le  volunteers  and 

the  regulars,  to- 

3C. 

ins  to  free  his  con- 
mt  of  the  dangers 
i'ery  idle  rumour  • 
•d  under  contribu- 
hniisand  fnVhffs!! 
ts  under  colonel 
ry  that  the  whole 
ider  major  Cham- 


bers was  approaching;  nothing,  in  fact,  was  forgotten,  which 
could  he.gh.en  the  picture  or  tend  to  take  tiJblame  from 
h.m.  \\  lule  on  the  Canada  side,  it  was  impossible  to  cffeot 
any  thing  against  Maiden,  from  the  difficulty  of  t.anspordng 
his  artillery.     Every  thing  is  difficult  to  a  man  who  wan°s   hf 

T^ZVt"''{    .^t  ^"^'^'^  S^^"«-  ^-d  been  3e   11  y 
sucngthened,  and  at  this  critical  moment,  general  Hall,  of  Nia- 
gjra  announced  that  it  was  not  in  his  powder  to  as  is  him 
What  tnen  could  be  done  but  to  cross  over  to  DetroitTthat™ 
o  abandon  the  inhabitants  of  Canada,  who  had  placed  thern.' 
se  ves  under  his  protection  ;  to  fly,  before  the  enemy  had  even 
attempied  to  attack  or  molest  him.  and  thus  encouraV'hem  iS 
complish?^  """"'  ''"'^''^'^  ^"^^  *^°"ght  it  possible  Tac" 

t;.?"^  ^hat  appears  most  to  figure,  in  this  attempted  vindica- 
t  on,  IS  the  frightail  display  of  Indian  auxiliaries.  The  whole 
"Northern  hive,"  as  he  called  it,  was  let  loose  :  Winneblgos 
Wyandots,  Hurons  Chippeways,  Knistenoos,  and  A^nqS' 
Pottowatomies,  Sacks,  and  Kickapoos,  were  swarmin^T  the 
neighbouring  woods,  and  concealed  behind  every  bish  ready 
to  rush  to  he  indiscriminate  slaughter  of  the  Am^ericanL  He 
represen  ed  his  situation  at  the  moment  of  surrender  as"  mS 

into  fhA^?7'  A  T^^  "°^  ^""g  """'^  'h^«  ^''^  hundred  men 
into  he  field,  and  he  was,  moreover,  destitute  of  all  necessarv 
supplies  and  munitions  of  war:  yet,  by  the  morning?  report^ 
his  force  exceeded  a  thousand  men  fit  for  duty,  besides  the  de- 
tachment  which  might  be  expected  to  arrive,  'about  the  t  me  of 
U^e  engagemen  ;  and  also  three  hundred  Michigan  mSi  hwho 

ZlnZLTj'^^^'f''  '^'"'^  "^'^^^'^  '^'^  upwards  of  dx? 
R  V  u      I    i         .    ^'^'^^^  "^^^  '""ch  superior  to  that  of  tho 
British  which  consisted  of  about  seven  hundred  regulars  one 
half  of  which  was  nothing  more  than  militia  dressed  fnunSbrm 
for  the  purpose  of  deception,  and  about  six  hundred  Indian^' 

S:de7htcrman    t  TT"*  ^'^  P^°^^^'  ^7^  offices 
unoer  nis  command,  to  have  been  incorrect  or  exaecerated 

nUo,    ;  "'•d^n^ry  exertion  would  have  sufficed,  to  Se  com 
Suilr?  h  '°^.''^  '^'  ^'''''^  ^^'•^«-     H«  <^<^^'-red,  that  he  wTs 
hJ^\i  ^  *"  S''-^  '°  fP'^''"  '^^  '^^"^i""  of  human  blood  I     If 

he  tuldTha^e  7^'"  '"  '^^^^"•^^'•^"  ''  ^^^  fellovv^chizens!  ' 
no  could  -lot  have  fallen  upon  a  more  unfortunate  measure  •  for 

lV''Z:r:!^J^\  ^^°"^-  ^°  ^^e  tomahawk  ofTe'savalr 

t"em"miblefn1rmf  h  °"-.T"u'^  '°'"  ''^P'-esenting  us  as  con-' 
lemptible  in  arms,  he  invited  those  very  savages,  which  he  sn 
much  dreaded,  to  throw  off  every  restraint,  afd  dSare  them? 


-*"7^^5iE^2r: 


42 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


h 


Surrender  of  General  Hull. 


selves  our  foes.  He  misht  have  foreseen,  that  a  considerable 
force  would  be  sent  by  the  British,  for  the  purpose  of  rotainintr 
this  province,  and  that  our  country  would  be  compelled  to  su^ 
fer  an  immense  expense  of  blood  and  treasure,  before  our  pos- 
sessions here  could  be  regained.  Although  this  afterwards  be- 
came the  theatre  of  war,  where  many  of  our  countrymen  Gained 
military  renown,  yet  the  effect  of  this  lamentable  occurrence 
was  visible  in  every  subsequent  transaction  on  the  borders  of 
Canada. 

TT  '^^^  sensations  produced  by  this  occurrence,  throughout  the 
United  States,  and  particularly  in  the  Western  country,  can 
scarsely  be  described.     At  first  no  one  could  believe  an  event 
so  extraordinary  and  unexpected  ;  the  public  mind  was  so  en- 
tirely  unprepared  for  it,  that  universal  astonishment  was  occa- 
sioned.    Whatever  doubts  might  have  been  entertained,  of  his 
being  able  to  subdue  the  country  which  he  had  invaded,  there 
were  none  of  his  being  able  to  defend  himself.    Never  was  any 
people  more  deeply  and  universally  chagrined.     This  event 
m  a  country  where  every  man  has  a  persona!  feeling  for  the 
honour  and  welfare  of  the  nation,  naturally  awakened  the  strong, 
est  sympathy  with  the  friends  and  families  of  the  brave  soldiers 
who  had  been  thus  wretchedly  surrendered  by  their  commander. 
1  he  general  was  afterwards  exchanged  for  thirty  British  pri- 
soners.     Neither  the  government  nor  the  people  were  satisfied 
with  his  defence.     The  affair  was  solemnly  investigated  by  a 
court  martial.     He  was  charged  with  treason,  cowardice  and 
unofficer-like  conduct.     On  the  first  charge,  the  court  declined 
giving  an  opinion  ;  on  the  two  last  he  was  sentenced  to  death  : 
but  was  recommended  to  mercy  in  consequence  of  his  revolu- 
tionary services,  and  his  advanced  age.    The  sentence  was  re- 
mitted  by  the  President ;  but  his  name  was  ordered  to  be  struck 
from  the  rolls  of  the  army.     The  general  afterwards  published 
an  elaborate,  but  hopeless  vindication. 


f(  'm 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


43 


that  a  considerable 
purpose  of  retaining 
be  compelled  to  suf- 
Jre,  before  our  pos- 
i  this  afterwards  be- 
countrymen  gained 
lentable  occurrence 
I  on  the  borders  of 

ice,  throughout  the 
stern  country,  can 
Id  believe  an  event 
c  mind  was  so  en- 
lishment  was  occa- 

entcrtained,  of  his 
had  invaded, there 
If.  Never  was  any 
ined.  This  event, 
na!  feeling  for  the 
vakenod  the  sfrong- 
if  the  brave  soldiers 
y  their  commander. 
)r  thirty  British  pri- 
3ople  were  satisfied 
r  investigated  by  a 
on,  cowardic'-'  and 

the  court  declined 
entenced  to  death ; 
mce  of  his  revolu- 
e  sentence  was  re- 
rdered  to  be  struck 
terwards  published 


Naral  EventB Cruise  of  Commodore  Rodgers. 


CHAPTER  III. 


Naval  Events-Cruise  of  Commodore  Rodgers— Tlie  President  chases  the  Belvi- 
dera-Cruise  of  Captain  Hull-The  Constitution  captures  the  Guerriere-Commo- 
dore  Porter  captures  the  Alert— Cruise  of  tlie  President  and  the  Congress-of  the 
Argus— The  United  States  captures  the  Macedonian— The  Wasp  captures  the  Frolic 
— Exploits  of  American  Privateers-Results  of  the  Naval  Warfare— Sensations 
excited  in  England. 

The  common  observation,  that  evils  do  not  come  alone  but 
with  others  linked  in  their  train,  was  happily  not  verified,  at 
the  period  of  the  misfortunes  of  our  arms  in  the  west.  The 
nation,  overspread  with  gloom  in  consequence  of  this  unex- 
pected disaster,  was  suddenly  consoled  in  the  most  pleasint^ 
manner.  A  new  and  glorious  era  burst  upon  our  country" 
The  historian  will  record  the  fact,  that  the  same  year  which 
saw  prostrated  the  despot  of  the  land,  also  beheld  the  pride 
of  the  tyrant  of  the  ocean  completely  humbled.  A  series  oT 
the  most  brilliant  exploits,  on  that  element,  raised  our  naval 
renown,  to  a  height  which  excited  the  surprise  and  admiration 
01  Europe. 

At  the  moment  of  the  declaration  of  war,  a  squadron  under 
commodore  Rodgers,  had  rendezvoused  under  the  order«  of  the 
government,  oir  Sandy  Hook.  The  squadron  consisted  of  the 
frigates  President,  Congress,  United  States,  and  the  sloop  Hor- 
net.  On  the  21st  of  June  they  put  to  sea.  in  pursuit  of  a  Bri- 
tish  squadron,  which  had  sailed  as  the  convoy  of  the  West 
_  Jndia  fleet,  the  preceding  month.  While  thus  engaged,  the 
■  British  frigate  Belvidera  was  discovered,  to  which  they  instantly 
gave  chase.  The  chase  was  continued  from  early  in  the  morn- 
ing until  past  four  m  the  afternoon,  when  the  President,  out- 
sailing the  other  vessels,  had  come  within  gun-shot.  She  opened 
tahre  with  her  bow  guns,  intending  to  cripple  the  Belvidera, 
which  returned  it  with  her  stern  chasers.  The  firing  was  kept 
up  tor  ten  minutes,  when  one  of  tim  anna  nf  tv°P,.«o:-^„nj 
burst,  killed  and  wounded  sixteen  men,  an^d"  fractured  the  leg  of 
the  commodore.  By  this  accident,  and  the  explosion  of  the 
passing-box,  the  decks  were  so  much  shattered  as  to  render 


44 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


The  President  chases  the  Belvidera Cruise  of  Captain  Hull. 


'      It 


the  guns  on  that  side  useless.  The  ship  was  then  put  about, 
and  a  broadside  fired,  but  without  the  desired  efTect,  though 
considerable  injury  was  done  the  Belvidora.  This  vessel,  hav. 
jng  thrown  overboard  every  thing  she  could  spare,  now  gained 
ground.  The  chase  was  continued  until  eleven  o'clock  at 
night,  before  it  was  deemed  hopeless.  The  squadron  then 
continued  its  pursuit  of  the  convoy,  which  it  did  not  give  over 
until  within  sight  of  the  British  channel ;  then  stood  for  the 
Island  of  Madeira ;  and  thence,  passing  the  Azores,  stood  for 
Newfoundland,  and  thence,  by  Cape  Sable,  arrived  at  Boston 
the  30th  of  August,  having  made  prize  of  several  British  ves- 
sels ;  but,  owing  to  the  haziness  of  the  weather,  they  were  less 
successful  than  might  have  been  expected. 

The  frigate  Essex  went  to  sea  from  New  York,  on  the  3d 
of  July ;  the  Constitution  sailed  from  the  Chesapeake  on  the 
12th ;  the  brigs  Nautilus,  Viper,  and  Vixen,  were  at  the  same 
time  cruising  off  the  coast  j  the, sloop  of  war  Wasp  was  at  sea 
on  her  return  from  France. 

The  Constitution,  captain  Hull,  had  sailed  from  Annapolis  on 
the  5th  of  July.     On  the  morning  of  the  17th,  off  Egg  Harbour, 
she  was  chased  by  a  ,ship  of  the  line,  the  Africa,  and  the  fri- 
gates  Shannon,  Guerriere,  Belvidera,  and  .Eolus.     These  ves- 
sels  were  approaching  rapidly  with  a  fine  breeze,  while  it  was 
nearly  a  calm  about  the  Constitution.     Ai  sunrise  the   next 
morning,  escape  from  the  enemv  was  almost  hopeless,  as  they 
were  tlien  within  five  miles,     the  Constitution  was  therefore 
cleared  for  action,  determined  to  make  a  desperate  resistance. 
1  he  enemy  still  drawing  near,  captain  Hull  resolved  to  make 
another  effort  to  escape.     Boats  were  sent  ahead,  with  anchors 
for  the  purpose  of  warping,  there  prevailing  almost  a  calm. 
Ihe  others  finding  the  Constitution  gaining  upon  them,  resorted 
to  the  same  expedient.     The  chase  continued  in  this  manner 
for  two  days,  partly  sailing  with  light  breezes,  and  partly  warp- 
ing, until  the  20th,  when  the  squadron  was  left  entirely  out 
of  sight.     This  escape  from  so  great  a  disparity  of  force,  was 
considered  as  deserving  a  high  rank  in  naval  exploits,  and 
was  much  admired  at  the  time,  as  evincing  superior  nautical 
skill.     The  advantage  to  the  British  in  this  chase  was  consi- 
derable,  when  we  reflect  that  their  foremost  vessel  had  the 
assistance  of  all  the  boats  of  the  squadron,  for  the  purpose  of 
tawing.     The  superiority  of  captain  Hull,  was  that  of  seaman- 
ship alone.     This  superiority  was  some  time  afterwards  proved 
in  a  most  remarkable  manner ;  while  naval  history  lasts,  it  will 
not  be  forgotten. 

.    The  Constitution  again  put  to  sea,  on  the  2d  of  September 


:'s 


Cruise  of  Captain  Hull. 

lip  was  then  put  about, 
desired  effect,  though 
3ra.  This  vessel,  hav- 
uild  spare,  now  gained 
ntil  eleven  o'clock  at 
The  squadron  then 
ch  it  did  not  give  over 
jI  ;  then  stood  for  the 
;  the  Azores,  stood  for 
ble,  arrived  at  Boston 
of  several  British  ves- 
v'cather,  they  were  less 
d. 

New  York,  on  the  3d 
le  Chesapeake  on  the 
xen,  were  at  the  same 
war  Wasp  was  at  sea 

iled  from  Annapolis  on 
7th,  off  Egg  Harbour, 
le  Africa,  and  the  fri- 
i  jEoIus.     These  ves- 
e  breeze,  while  it  was 
At  sunrise  the   next 
nost  hopeless,  as  they 
iitution  was  therefore 
desperate  resistance. 
uU  resolved  to  make 
t  ahead,  with  anchors 
iling  almost  a  calm, 
g  upon  them,  resorted 
nued  in  this  manner 
;zcs,  and  partly  warp- 
was  left  entirely  out 
isparity  of  force,  was 
I  naval  exploits,  and 
ing  superior  nautical 
this  chase  was  consi- 
smost  vessel  had  the 
)n,  for  the  purpose  of 
,  was  that  of  seaman- 
no  afterwards  proved 
il  history  lasts,  it  will 

he  2d  of  September 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


45 


The  Constitution  captures  the  Guerriere. 


pn  the  19th,  a  vessel  hove  in  sight,  and  a  chase  instantly 
.fommenced.^  It  was  soon  discovered  to  be  the  Guerriere,  one 
fC  the  best  frigates  in  the  British  navy ;  and  which  seemed  not 
|iverse  from  the  rencontre,  as  she  backed  her  main-topsail,  wait- 
v|ng  for  the  Constitution  to  come  down.  This  was  a  most 
iesirable  occurrence  to  our  brave  tars,  as  this  frigate  had  for 
-some  time  been  in  search  of  an  American  frigate,  having  given 
a  fonnal  challenge  to  all  our  vessels  of  the  same  class.  She 
had  at  one  of  her  mast-heads  a  flag,  on  which  her  name  was 
inscribed  in  large  characters,  by  way  of  gasconade,  and  on  an 
Other,  the  words,  "  Not  the  Little  Belt,"  in  allusion  to  the  broad- 
Sides  which  the  President  had  given  that  vessel,  before  the 
mar.  The  Guerriere  had  looked  into  several  of  our  ports,  and 
'Effected  to  be  exceedingly  anxious  to  earn  the  first  laurel  from 
the  new  enemy.  The  Constitution  being  made  ready  for 
action,  now  bore  down,  her  crew  giving  three  cheers.  At 
first  it  was  the  intention  of  captain  Hull,  to  bring  her  to  close 
action  immediately ;  but  on  coming  within  gun-shot,  she  gave 
a  broadside  and  filled  away,  then  wore,  giving  a  broadside  on 
Jhe  other  tack,  but  without  etfect.     They  now  continued  wear- 

mg,  and  manoeuvring,  on  both  sides,  for  three  quarters  of  an  hour, 
the  Guerriere  attempting  to  take  a  raking  position  ;  but  failing 
in  this,  she  bore  up,  and  ran  with  her  topsail  and  jib  on  the  quar- 
ter.    The  Constitution,  perceiving  this,  made  sail  to  come  up 
with  her.     Captain  Hull,  with  admirable  coolness,  received  the 
enemy's   fire,  without   returning  it.     The  enemy,  mistaking 
this  conduct  on  the  part  of  the  American  commander,  continued 
to  pour  out  his  broadsides  with  a  view  to  cripple  his  antagonist. 
1  rom  the  Constitution,  not  a  gun  had  been  fired.     Already  had 
an  officer  twice  come  on  deck,  with  information  that  several  of 
the  men  had  been  killed  at  their  guns.     The  gallant  crew, 
though  burning  with  impatience,  silently  awaited  the  orders  of 
their  commander.     The  moment  so  long  looked  for,  at  last 
arrived.     Sailing-master  Ayhvin   having  seconded  the  views 
oi  the  captain,  with   admirable  skill,  in  bringing  the  vessel 
exactly  to  the  station  intended,  orders  were  given  at  five  mi- 
nutes before  five  P.  M.  to  fire  broadside  after  broadside,  in  quick 
succession.     The  crew  instantly  discovered    the  whole  plan, 
ami  entered  into  it  with  all  the  spirit  the  circumstance  was  cal- 
,.cula*d  to  insp-re.     Never  was  any  firing  so  dreadful.     For 
liltcon  minutes  the  vivid  lightning  of  the  Constitution'^  guns 
rnri,,nuedoneu!cizc.  and  their  thunder  roared  with  scarce  an 
intermission.     The  enemy's  mi7.en-mast  had  gone  by  the  board, 
and  he  stood  exposed  to  a  raking  fire,  which  swept  his  decks. 
I  tie  (juerriere  had  now  become  unmanageable;  her  hull,  rig 


111 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


The  Constitution  captures  tlie  Guerriere. 


ging  and  sails  dreadfully  torn  ;  when  the  Constitution  attempted 
to  lo.y  her  on  board.     At   this   moment   lieutenant  Bush,  in 
attcmptmg  to  throw  his  marines  on  board,  was  killed  by  a  mus- 
kct  ball,  and  the  enemy  shot  ahead,  but  could  not  be  broutriit 
before  the  wind.     A  raking  fire  now  continued  for  fifteen  mi. 
nutes  longer,  when  his  mainmast  and  foremast  went,  taking  withk 
them  every  spar,  exceptmg  the  bowsprit.     On  seeing  this,  the' 
firing  ceased,  and  at  twenty-five  minutes  past  five  siie  surren-  j 
dered.     «'  In  thirty  minutes,"  says  captain  Hull,  "  after  we  got  I 
fairly  alongside  of  the  enemy,  she  surrendered,  and  had  not  a 
spar  standing,  and  her  hull,  above  and  below  water,  so  shat- 
tered,  that  a  few  more  broadsides  must  have  carried  her  down." 
The  Guerriere  was  so  much  damaged,  as  to  render  it  impos- 
sible  to  bring  her  in ;  she  was  therefore  set  fire  to  the  next 
day,  and  blown  up.     The  damage   sustained   by  the  Consti- 
tution  was  comparatively  of  so  little   consequence,  that  she 
actually  made  ready  for  action,  when  a  vessel  appeared  in  sight 
the  next  day.     The  loss  ,      board  the  Guerriere  was  fifteen 
killed,  and  sixty-three  wounded :  on  the  side  of  the  Constitution, 
seven  killed  and  seven  wounded.     It  is  pleasing  to  observe, 
that  even  the  British  commander,  on  this  occasion,  bore  testi- 
mony  to  the   humanity  and  generosity  with  wliich   he  was 
treated  by  the  victors.     The  American  frigate  was  somewhat 
superior  in  force,  by  a  few  guns ;  but  this  difierence  bore  no 
comparison  to  the  disparity  of  the  conflict.     The  Guerriere 
was  thought  to  be  a  match  for  any  vessel  of  her  class,  and  had 
been  ranked  amongst  the  largest  in  the  British  navy.     The 
Constitution  arrived  at  Boston  on  the  28th  of  August,  having 
captured  several  merchant  vessels.  ° 

Never  did  any  event  spread  such  universal  joy  over  the 
whole  country.  The  gallant  Hull,  and  his  equally  gallant 
otticers,  were  received  with  enthusiastic  demonstrations  of  gra- 
t-tude,  wherever  they  appeared.  He  was  presented  with  the 
Ireedom  of  all  the  cities  through  which  he  passed  on  his  way 
to  the  seat  of  government,  and  with  many  valuable  donations. 
Congress  voted  fifty  thousand  dollars  to  the  crew,  as  a  recom 
pense  for  the  loss  of  the  prize,  and  the  executive  promoted 
several  of  the  officers..  Sailing-master  Aylwin,  who  had  been 
severely  wounded,  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant,  and  ' 
lieutenant  Morris,  who  had  been  also  wounded,  was  promtited 
to  the  rank  of  post-captain.     This  affair  was  not  less  mortify- 

inff  to  Ctrcnt  Rritnln     wKn    fnr    thirty-  t ^~    K^ -!    ---  •       - 

^       -. — ■• — ' :  •■'•'•  '""  fnirrj  y^aVa  naa  m  no  instance 

lost  a  frigate  in  any  thing  like  an  equal  conflict. 

The  public  mind  was  now  continually  excited  by  some  new 
series  of  naval  exploits.     There  was  scarcely  time  for  one  vie 


3'S 


Suerriere. 

3  Constitution  attempted 
nt  lieutenant  Bush,  in 
d,  was  killed  by  a  mus- 

could  not  be  brought 
ontinucd  for  fifteen  mi- 
smast  went,  taking  with 
it.  On  seeing  this,  the 
es  past  five  siie  surren- 
lin  Hull,  "  after  we  got 
endercd,  and  had  not  a 

below  water,  so  shat- 
ave  carried  her  down." 
,  as  to  render  it  impos- 
re  set  fire  to  the  next 
stained  by  the  Consti- 
consequence,  that  she 
essel  appeared  in  sight 

Guerricre  was  fifteen 
side  of  the  Constitution, 
s  pleasing  to  observe, 
is  occasion,  bore  testi- 
T  with  which  he  was 
frigate  was  somewhat 
this  difference  bore  no 
iflict.  The  Guerriere 
1  of  her  class,  and  had 
e  British  navy.  The 
:8th  of  August,  having 

liversal  joy  over  the 
d  his  equally  gallant 
lemonstrations  of  gra- 
is  presented  with  the 
he  passed  on  his  way 
ly  valuable  donations, 
the  crew,  as  a  recom 
s  executive  promoted 
^ylwin,  who  had  been 
ank  of  lieutenant,  and 
>unded,  was  prom'oted 
was  not  less  mortify- 
"s  had  in  no  instance 
onflict. 

excited  by  some  new 
rcely  time  for  one  vie- 


■ATTLE  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION  AND  GUERRIERE.!SSb^mJLL. 


Ste  Page  51. 


47 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAK. 


49 


Commodore  Porter  eaptiir<"     -j  Alert. 


tory  o  become  familiar,  before  another  was  announced.  On 
he  7th  of  September,  commodore  Porter  of  the  Essex,  entered 
the  Dela-ware  after  a  most  active  and  successful  cruise.  He  had 
sailed  from  New  York  on  the  3d  of  July,  and  shortly  after  fell 
in  w,th  a  fleet  of  merchantmen  under  convoy  of  ^frigate 
Having  kept  at  a  distance  until  night,  she  cut  off  a  brig  wiS 
a  hundred  and  fifty  soldiers  on  board,  which  was  ransor^ed  for 
fourteen  thousand  dollars ;  the  men  were  disarmed  and  released 

Th.  .n"^  '?  °''^  "°'  ^°  '''''  ^g«'"«^  "^  during  the  war! 
1  he  co:nmodore  regretted,  m  his  letter  to  the  secretary  of 
he  navy,  that  he  had  not  had  with  him  a  sloop  of  war,  as 
in  this  case  he  could  have  engaged  the  frigate,  while  the  con! 
voy  were  kept  emp byed ;  and  he  could  then  have  capt3 
the  whole  fleet  consisting  of  several  sail,  and  having  two  th^u. 

Th.  iqTr°A  b^^'-d'rl"'^'"^  '^^  ^^^^  ^»d  transports.  On 
he  13th  of  August,  the  Essex  fell  in  with  the  Alert  sloop  of 
war,  and  captured  her,  after  an  action  of  eight  minutes  •  the  Alert 
had  mistaken  this  frigate  for  the  Hornet, ^of  wLh  she  wa  'n 
pursuit,  and  actually  commenced  the  engagement,  by  running 
down  and  pounng  a  broadside  into  thi  Essex.  When  shf 
struck  her  colours  but  three  men  were  wounded,  but  she  had 
seven  feet  of  water  m  her  hold.  The  frigate  did  not  suffer  the 
slightest  injury.  Commodore  Porter,  being  embarrassed  with 
his  prisoners,  who  exceeded  five  hundred  in  number  cSluded 
to  convert  the  Alert  into  a  cartel,  for  the  purpose  ^^ffectin.  aa 
exchange.     Her  guns  were  thrown  overboard,  and  sh^iM 

JnZf'?rT^  '°  ^'d^'^i'^  ""d^*-  th«  command  of  a  ife^ 
tenant  of  he  Essex.  The  British  commander  at  that  pla^ 
protested  strongly  against  the  practice  of  converting  capfS 
vessels  into  cartels;  but  in  this  instance  was  willingf in  Jonse- 
quence  of  the  attention  which  commodore  Porter  had  uniformlv 
shown  to  British  prisoners,  to  consent  to  the  proposed  exchange 
On  the  afternoon  of  the  30th  of  August,  a  V'^^ish  frigate  w5 
seen  standing  towards  the  Essex  ;  preparation  was  immedtatefv 
made  for  action  and  she  stood  towards  the  ene^y  S 
intervening,  the  Essex  hoisted  lights  to  prevent  a  separatiSn 

tleteTwr?"''"  '"•  ''  d 'yJight.  t^he  mortS: S 
the  cre\y,  who  were  anxious  to  support  the  cause  of  "Free 
trade  and  sailors'  rights."  the  enemy  had  disappeared      On  tT^ 

«^i  I  ?r'"''^u'  "'^''  ®'-  ^^°'"g«'«  banks,  two  ships  of  war  were 
seen  to  the  southward,  and  a  brig  to  the  northward  To  which 
the  Essex  gave  chase,  but  the  winds  bein^  li.hf.  .hs^'ZLLJl 
escape.  The  Essex  was  afterwards  chased'by  the"  iwo'shioa 
nSuvrinf " ""'''"^""P^'  •"  the  nighf  by  skUfuf'ja! 


IJ 


60 


BUACKENKIDGE'S 


On  the 


Cnilse  of  the  President  and  the  Congresi— of  the  Argug. 


of  October,  a  sqimdron,  consisting  of  the  Presi- 
dent, the  United  States,  Congress  and  the  Argus,  sailed  fron: 
Boston  on  a  cruise.  On  the  13th,  the  United  States  and  Argus 
parted  from  the  rest  in  a  gale  of  wind.  A  few  days  after- 
wards,  the  President  and  Congress  had  the  good  fortune  to 
capture  the  British  packet  Swallow,  with  two  liundrcd  thou- 
sand  dollars  on  board,  and  on  the  30th  of  December  arrived  at 
Boston,  aller  a  very  successful  cruise. 

The  Argus  was  not  less  fortui.ate ;  adcr  parting  <iom  the 
squadron,  she  cruised  in  every  direction,  between  the  continent 
and  the  West  Indies,  and  afler  being  out  ninety-six  days,  she 
returned  to  New  York,  with  prizes  to  the  amount  of  two  hur 
dred  thousand  dollars.  She  made  various  hairbreadth  escapes : 
nt  one  time  she  was  cfaased  by  a  British  squadron  for  three 
days,  and  several  times  almost  surrounded;  she  was  one  mo- 
ment within  pistol-shot  of  a  seventy-four,  and  yet,  in  the  midst 
of  all  this  peril,  she  actually  captured  and  manned  one  of  her 
prizes. 

The  United  States,  commanded  by  that  distinguished  officer 
commodore  Decatur,  soon  afler  her  separation  from  the  squad- 
ron, had  the  good  fortune  to  add  another  victory  to  our  naval 
chronicle,  not  less  glorious  than  that  of  the  Constitution.     On 
the  25th  of  October,  off  the  Western  Islands,  she  fell  in  with 
the  Macedonian,  captain  Garden,  a  frigate  of  the  largest  class, 
carrymg  forty-nme  guns  and  three  hundred  men.     The  Mace- 
donian, being  to  windward,  had  it  in  her  power  to  choose  her 
distance,  and  at  no  time  were  they  nearer  than  musket-shot  ; 
from  this  circumstance,  and  the  prevalence  of  a  heavy  sea' 
the  action  lasted  nearly  two  hours.     The  superiority  of  the 
American  gunnery,  in  this  action,  was  very  remarkable,  both 
for  its  greater  rapidity  and  effect.     From  the  continued  blaze 
ot  her  guns,  the  United  States  was,  at  one  moment,  thought 
by  her  antagonist  to  be  on  fire  ;  a  mistake  of  very  short  dura- 
tion.    On  board  the  Macedonian  there  were  thirtv-six  killed 
and  sixty-eight  wounded.     She  lost  her  mainmast;^  and  main- 
topmast  and  mainyard,  and  was  much  cut  up  in  her  hull.    The 
United  States  suffered  so  little,  that  a  return  to  port  was  not 
necessary:   she   had   only  five   killed,  and   seven   wounded. 
Among  the  killed  were  lieutenant  Funk,  of  whom  the  commo- 
dore  spoke  in  the  highest  terms.     Lieutenant  Allen  w.s  on 
this  occasion  highly  applauded.     The  commodore  arrived  at 
New  York  on  the  4th  of  December,  with  his  prize.     Decatur 
aircaay- a  universal  lavourite,  experienced  the  same  demonstra- 
tions  of  gratitude,  as  were  made  to  captain  Hull :   nor  was 
there  denied  him  that  new  species  of  praise,  which  the  gene. 


i 


4 


HISTORY"  OF  THE  WAR. 


61 


The  United  atateii  capture!  the  Macedonian  ....  The  Waip  capture!  the  Frolic. 


rou3  conduct  of  our  heroic  seamen  has  uniformly  drawn  forth, 
the  praise  of  tlie  enemy.  All  the  private  property  belonginj?  to 
the  men  and  oUicers  on  board  the  Macedonian,  was  restored  to 
the  captured  with  the  most  rigid  exactitude ;  and  tlicir  treatment 
was  the  most  polite  and  humane. 

The  feelings  of  the  nation  had  scarcely  time  to  subside,  when 
the  welcome  news  of  another  victory  was  received ;  a  victory 
over  an  enemy  most  decidedly  superior  in  force,  and  under  cir- 
cumsfances  the  most  favourable  to  him.     This  was  the  capture 
of  the  brig  Frolic,  of  twenty-two  guns,  by  the  sloop  of  war 
VVasp.     Captain  Jones  had  returned  from  France,  two  weeks 
afler  the  declaration  of  war,  and  on  the  13th  of  October  attain 
put  to  sea.     On  the  16th  he  experienced   a   heavy  gale°  in 
which  the  Wasp  lost  her  jib-boom  and  two  men.     On  the 
evening  of  the  following  day,  the  Wasp  found  herself  near  five 
strange  sail,  and  as  two  of  them  appeared  to  be  ships  of  war, 
It  was  thought  proper  to  keep  at  a  distance.     At  dayIi<Tht  ori 
ounday  morning,  they  were  discovered  to  be  six  merchant 
ships,  from  Honduras  to  England,  under  a  strong  convoy  of  a 
brig  and  two  ships,  armed  with  sixteen  guns  each.     The  brig 
which  prow  i  to  be  the  Frolic,  captain  Whinyates,  drppped  be' 
hind,  while  the  others  made  sail.     The  Wasp,  being  prepared 
for  action,  at  thirty-two  minutes  past  eleven  o'clock,  came  down 
to  windward  in  handsome  style,  when  the  action  was  begun  by 
the  enemy's  cannon  and  musketry.     This  was  returned,  and 
approaching  still  nearer  the  enemy,  brought  her  to  close  action. 
In  hve  minutes  the  main-topmast  of  the  Wasp  was  shot  away, 
and  falling  down  with  the  main-topsail  yard,  across  the  larboard 
tore  and  foretopsail,  rendered  her  head  yards  unmanageable 
during  the  rest  of  the  action.     In  two  minutes  more  her  eaft 
and  mizen  top-gallant  mast  were  shot  away.     The  sea  b^nc 
exceedingly  rough,  the  muzzles  of  the  Wasp's  guns  were  some- 
imes  under  water.     The  English  fired  as  their  vessel  rose,  so 
that  their  shot  was  either  thrown  away,  or  touched  the  riegine 
of  the  Americans ;  the  Wasp,  on  the  contrary,  fired  as  she  sunk, 
and  every  time  struck  the  hull  of  her  antagonist.     The  Wasp 
now  shot  ahead,  raked  her,  and  then  resumed  her  position. 
Ihe  I'rohc  s  fire  had  evidently  slackened,  and  the  AVasp,  gra. 
dually  nearod  her,  until  in  the  last  broadside,  they  touched  her 
side  with  their  rammers.     It  was  now  determined  to  lav  her  bv 
the  board.     The  jib-boom  of  the  Frolic  came  in  between  the 

fire,  which  swept  the  whole  deck,  they  resolved  to  board, 
l^ieutenant  Biddle  sprang  on  the  ringing  of  the  enemy's  bow- 
sprit,  Where  he  was  at  first  somewhat  entangled,  and  midship 


1,^ 

■  \f 

1 1 


-|te' 


R  :,i 


65 


Hi 
I. 


I;i|i*: 


ill 
11 1| 


BRACKEN  RIDGK'S 


Thii  Waip  capturei  th«  Frolic. 


man  Barker,  in  his  impatience  to  be  on  board,  caught  hold  of 
Biddki's  coat,  nnd  foil  back  on  the  deck,  but  in  a  moment 
sprang  up  and  leaped  on  the  bowsprit,  where  lie  found  one  Lang 
and  another  seaman.     His  surprise  can  scarcely  be  imagined, 
when  he  found  no  person  on  deck,  except  three  officers  and 
the  seaman  at  the  wheel.     The  deck  was  slippery  with  blood, 
nnd  presented  a  scene  of  havoc  and  ruin,  such  as  has  been  sel- 
dom witnessed.     As  lie  advanced,  the  officers  threw  down  their 
swords  in  submission.     The  colours  were  still  flying,  there 
bemg  no  seamen  left  to  pull  them  down.     Lieutenant  Diddle 
leaped  mto  the  rigging,  and  hauled  them  down  with  his  own 
hands.     Thus,  in  forty-three  minutes,  complete  possession  was 
taken  of  the  Frolic,  after  one  of  the  most  bloody  conflicts  any 
where  recorded  in  naval  history.     The  condition  of  this  unfor- 
tunate vessel  was  inexpressibly  shocking.     The  birth-deck  was 
crowded  with  the  dead,  the  dying  and  the  wounded ;  and  the 
masts,  which  soon  after  fell,  covering  the  dead  and  every  thing 
on  deck,  left  her  a  most  melancholy  wreck.     Captain  Jones 
Bent  on  board  his  surgeon,  and  humanely  exerted  himself  in 
their  relief,  to  the  utmost  of  his  power.     The  loss  on  board 
the  Frolic  was  thirty  killed  and  fifty  wounded;  on  board  the 
Wasp,  five  killed,  and  five  slightly  wounded.     This  was  cer- 
tainly the  most  decisive  action  fought  during  the  war.     The 
Wasp  and  Frolic  were  both  captured  that  very  day  by  a  British 
seventy-four,  the  Poictiers,  captain  Beresford. 

Captain  Jones  spoke  of  all  his  officers  and  men  in  handsome 
lerms;  but  the  noble  part  which  he  bore  in  this  celebrated 
combat,  was  touched  upon  with  all  that  modesty  for  which  our 
naval  heroes  have  been  so  justly  admired.  Lieutenant  Booth, 
Mr.  Rapp,  and  midshipmen  Grant  and  Baker,  were  particularly 
distinguished.  Lieutenant  Claxton,  although  too  unwell  to 
render  any  assistance,  crawled  out  of  bed,  and  came  on  deck, 
that  he  might  witness  the  courage  of  his  comrades.  A  seaman 
of  the  name  of  Jack  Lang,  from  Ches(«n-  county,  Pennsylvania, 
a  brave  fellow,  who  had  been  twice  mpressed  by  the  British, 
behaved,  on  this  occasion,  with  unusual  bravery.  Captain 
Jones  reached  New  York  towards  the  latter  end  of  November. 
The  legislatures  of  Massachusetts,  New  York,  and  Delaware, 
of  which  latter  state  he  was  a  native,  presented  him  with  their 
thanks,  and  several  elegant  swords  and  pieces  of  plate ;  and  the 
congress  of  the  United  States  voted  him,  his  o.Ticers,  and  crew, 
twenty.five  thousand  dollars,  as  a  recompense  for  their  loss,  in 
tiui  uc::jg  uoic  to  oring  m  me  i'  roiic.  He  was  soon  ailer  pro- 
moted to  the  command  of  the  Macedonian,  captured  by  com- 
modore  Decatur.     See  Engraving,  page  47  ante. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAH. 


M 


Eipluif  of  American  Privateer*. 


toats  of  navnl  prowess  were  not  confined  to  national  vessels : 
the  exploits  ol  private -urmed  vessels  daily  filled  the  gazettes. 
Le'lers  of  niar(|uo  werf>  issued  soon  after  the  declaration  of 
war,  and  privateers  sailed  from  every  port,  to  annoy  and  dis- 
tress  tiic  eiKimy's  commerce.  They  wore  generally  constructed 
for  swirt  sailing,  an  art  in  which  the  Americans  excel  every 
other  people.  In  their  contests  they  exhibited  the  same  supe- 
riority  over  the  vessels  of  the  enemy,  as  was  shown  with 
respect  to  the  ships  of  war.  One  of  the  first  to  sail,  was  the 
Atlas,  commanded  by  captain  Moffat.  On  the  3d  of  Au<^ust 
ho  fell  in  with  two  armed  ships,  and  after  a  severe  acfton, 
captured  them  both,  but  was  not  able  to  bring  more  than  one 
of  thom  into  port. 

The  Dolphin,  captain  Endicot,  of  Salem,  in  the  course  of  a 
ew  weeks,  captured  fifteen  of  the  enemy's  vessels,  and  soon 
became  noted  for  his  activity  and  courage.     He  had  the  misfor- 
tune  to  bo  captured  by  a  squadron,  under  commodore  Broke, 
and  in  consequence  of  the  prejudice  entertained  against  priva- 
teers,  and  the  irritation  which  his  exploits  had  excited,  he  was 
treated  somewhat  roughly:  this  conduct,  to  the  honour  of  the 
British  officers,  was  soon  changed,  when  they  were  informed, 
by  the  prisoners,  of  the  humanity  of  his  conduct.     On  one  occa- 
sion,  there  happened  to  be  on  board  one  of  the  Dolphin's  prizes, 
an  old  woman,  who  had  her  whole  fortune  on  board,  consisting 
ol  eight  hundred  dollars ;  she  made  a  lamentable  outcry  at  her 
mislortune :  but  the  fact  was  no  sooner  known  to  the  sailors, 
than  they  spontaneously  n-vrj  „u    Ui  touch  her  pittance:  and 
on  arriving  in  the  Unit,         ates,  she  felt  so  much  gratitude, 
that  she  could  not  refrain  from  giving  publicity  to  it,  in  the 
newspapers.     It  soon  tHicanio  understood,  that  American  priva- 
teers were  under  the  same  regulations  as  national  vessels,  a  cir- 
cumstance  m  wlii<  h  they  differed  from  those  of  other  nations  ; 
that,  m  fact,  priv  ,tc  cupidity  was  not  the  sole  motive  in  arming 
them,  but  that  thf  y  constituted  a  part  of  our  mode  of  carrying  on 
the  war,  by  assailing  the  enemy  in  his  most  vulnerable  part ;  and 
that  the  gallantry  displayed  on  board  of  these  vessels,  conferred 
almost  as  iugh  honour  on  the  actors,  as  that  which  was  won  in 
the  national  ships  :  there  were,  therefore,  the  same  inducfuents 
to  correctness  of  deportment.     Thus  much  may  be  said  in  miti- 
gation  of  this  species  of  warfare,  which  it  is  to  be  hoped  will, 
at  some  future  day,  be  suppressed  by  common  consent. 

iiarly  in  the  war,  one  of  our  oldest  and  most  distintruished 
navai  hurues,  but  who  had,  for  many  years,  led  a  private  life, 
entered  this  service.  Commodore  Barney  sailed  from  Balti- 
more  m  the  Rossic,  and,  in  the  course  of  a  few  months,  did 


i    ki 


64 


BKACKENRIDGE'S 


Results  of  the  N»val  Warfiire. 


i  ^SJ 


J   t 


i  ^rf'" 


more  havoc  m  the  British  commerce,  than  was  experienced 
Irom  the  French  cruisers  for  years.  The  fame  of  this  gallant 
officer  was  already  well  known  to  the  enemy,  particularly  as 
the  captor  of  one  of  their  vessels  of  war  of  superior  force,  the 
Lreneral  Monk,  during  the  revolution. 

Such  was  the  glorious  beginning  of  our  naval  warfare  against 
Great  Britam.     In  the  course  of  a  Tew  months,  two  of  her 
finest  frigates  surrendered,  each  after  a  iew  minutes  fighting ; 
and  a  most  decided  victory  was  gained  over  an  adversary  con- 
tessedly  superior.     Before  the  meeting  of  congress,  in  Novem- 
ber,  nearly  two  hundred  and  fifty  vessels  were  captured  from 
the  enemy,  and  more  than  three  thousand  prisoners  taken. 
Upwards  of  fifty  of  them  were  armed  vessels,  and  carrying  five 
hundred  and  seventy.five  guns.     To  counterbalance  this  im- 
mense  loss,  the  enemy  had  but  a  small  account.     By  the  cruise 
of  commodore  Rodgers,  our  merchantmen  had  been  much  aided 
m  getting  into  port,  and  the  number  captured  was  but  trifling 
compared  to  theirs.     The  Frolic  and  Wasp,  we   have   seen 
were  captured  in  a  way  to  give  no  credit  to  the  captors.     Two 
other  smaller  vessels  were  also  captured  by  squadrons:  the 
first,  on  the  20th  of  July,  the  schooner  Nautilus,  of  twelve 
guns,  commanded  by  lieutenant  Crane,  captured  by  the  frigate 
bhannon,  the  leading  ship  of  the  squadron.     The  Vixen  wa» 
captured  on  the  22d  of  November,  by  the  Northampton  frigate 
bir  James  Yeo.     Not  long  after  the  capture,  both  vessels  ran 
ashore,  and  were  wrecked.     Through  the  exertions  of  captain 
Keed,  of  the  Vixen,  much  of  the  property  was   saved   from 
the  wreck ;  and,  in  consequence  of  his  services  on  the  occa- 
sion, he  was  publicly  thanked  by  Sir  James,  and  permission 
given  to  him  to  return  home  on  his  parole.     This  he  generously 
declined,  as  he  could  not  think  of  receiving  any  benefits,  in 
which  his  officers  and  crew  did  not  partake.     He  accordingly 
accompanied  them  to  Nova  Scotia,  where  he  fell  a  victim  to 
the  climate.     He  was  interred  by  the  British  with  the  honours 
ot  war,  accompanied  by  every  demonstration  of  respect  to  the 
memory  of  a  brave  and  gallant  officer. 

The  navy  now  became  the  favourite  of  the  nation ;  for  thus 
tar,  contrasted  with  our  armies,  it  was  entitled  to  the  most  de- 
cided  preference.  There  were  not  wanting  occasions  in  which 
our  arms  by  land  had  acquired  reputation,  but  they  had  also 
brought  upon  us  dishonour :  on  the  contrary,  the  navy,  in  every 
instance,  had  a^ded  to  our  national  renown.  The  modesty  of 
our  .".nval  commanders,  in  the  narratives  of  liie  most  brilliant 
achievements,  and  which  were  read  with  delight  in  every  cot- 
tage,  and  spread  over  the  country  by  the  means  of  our  thousand 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


55 


Sengationg  eicited  in  England. 


newspapers,  was  peculiarly  pleasing :  whereas  the  proclama- 

TrRli^rhK    '.  ''T.  'T-  °"^"  ^"^^  ^'^h  idle  fustian. 
Ihe  British  had  threatened  to  drive  our  "  bits  of  striped  bunt- 
mg    fronti  the  ocean,  and  we  had  been  seriously  apprehensive 
that  our  little  navy  would  be  at  once  annihilated !     We,  how- 
ever,  sought  consolation  for  this,  in  the  prospect  of  possessin.^ 
Canada,  and  freeing  ourselves  from  troublesome  neighbours" 
In  both  instances  how  greatly  disappointed  I     The  mortifica- 
tion  of  Great  Britain  was  attended  with  no  alleviation.     She 
was  wounded  m  the  most  vital  part.     In  vain  did  she  seek  con- 
solation  in  endeavouring  to  hide  her  misfortune  from  herself 
by  representing  our  vessels,  in  every  instance,  as  greatly  supe' 
rior  m  size,  and  having  every  advantage  in  the  various  con- 
flicts.     Ihis  might  do  with  respect  to  one  engagement,  but  the 
same  cause  was  insufficient  to  account  for  her  defeats  in  every 
encounter.     The  American  frigates  were  seventy-fours  in  dis- 
guise,  and  she  turned  her  seventy-fours  into  frigates,  that  she 
might  contend  on  equal  terms !     But  she  could  not  so  easily 
account  for  the  superiority  in  the  management  of  the  ships, 
and  in  gunnery.     From  the  idle  boast  of  being  the  sovereign 
the  seas  ^a  claim  as  vain  as  that  to  the  dominion  of  the  air 
or  the  light),  without  whose  permission  not  a  sail  could  be 
ZZ''Y  was  humbled  by  one  of  the   youngest  maritime 
states,  actuated  by  no  ambition  of  conquest,  and  merely  con- 
ending  for  the  privilege  of  navigating  an  element  designed  by 
the  Almighty  for  the  common  possession  of  the  human  race. 


HI 


CHAPTER  IV. 


Military  Enthusiasm  in  the  West-General  Harrison  take,  command  of  the  North 
western  Army-The  Army  advances  under  General  Winchester-ExpedU  on  tot 
Kap  ds  under  General  Tupper-Failure  of  the  Expedition  to  the  Rapids-Snd  E^ 

MUi^^ntotheRapidsunderGeneralTupper-PorayunderGeneralCkil-^^^^^^ 
Expedition  underOeneral  Hopkins-Defence  of  Fort  Harrison-Expedition  und^Co 
|oneniusseU-Expedition  under  Colonel  Campbeli-Security  pf  thl  FlZZjOat 

The  public  mind  having  recovered  from  the  distress  and  cha- 
gnn  occasioned  by  the  surrender  of  Hull,  was  now  carried  to 
the  contrary  extreme.     A  spirit  was  roused,  which  produced 


f¥m 

i     ^ 

iiiif 

IimI 

i^ta 

ill' 

66 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Military  Enthusiasm  in  the  West. 


effects  not  surpassed  in  the  most  enthusiastic  periods  of  our 
revolution.  To  the  westward  and  to  the  southward,  volunteer 
corps  were  forming  in  every  quarter,  and  tendering  their  ser- 
vices for  any  enterprise  which  might  be  undertaken.  Tho 
western  parts  of  Pennsylvania  and  Virginia  exhibited  great 
alacrity :  but  it  was  in  tho  states  of  Kentucky,  Ohio  and  Ten- 
nessee, that  this  generous  zeal  prevailed  in  the  highest  degree. 
Civil  pursuits  were  almost  forsaken,  while  this  enthusiasm  was 
shared  by  persons  of  both  sexes  and  every  age.  The  ladies 
set  themselves  to  work  in  preparing  military  clothing  and  knap- 
sacks  for  their  relatives  and.  friends,  and  cheerfully  contributed 
from  their  household  stock,  such  articles  as  their  soldiers  might 
require.  Companies  were  equipped  in  a  single  day,  and  ready 
to  march  the  next.  There  prevailed  every  where,  the  most 
animated  scenes  of  preparation.  The  admiration  which  this 
excites,  IS  not  lessened  by  the  reflection  that  they  were  but 
acting  in  self-defence ;  for  excepting  in  the  remote  settlements, 
and  merely  on  the  frontier,  there  was  but  little  to  apprehend 
from  the  Indians  :  the  settlements  having  become  so  consider- 
able in  the  western  states,  that  it  would  be  impossible  for  the 
enemy  to  penetrate  far.  They  were  actuated  by  an  enthusi- 
astic love  of  country,  a  generous  spirit,  which  could  not  brook 
the  thought  of  being  worsted,  or  that  a  part  of  the  territory  of 
the  United  States,  should  fall  by  conquest  into  the  hands  .f  our 
enemy. 

Louisville  and  Newport  had  been  appointed  as  the  places  of 
rendezvous,  for  the  troops  destined  to  the  aid  of  Hull.  So 
nutnerous  were  the  volunteers  from  Kentucky,  who  offared 
their  services  here,  that  it  was  soon  found  necessary  to  issue 
orders  that  no  more  would  be  received,  and  many  companies, 
thus  disappointed,  were  compelled  to  turn  back.  The  com- 
mand of  the  Kentucky  militia  was  assigned  to  general  Payne. 
The  same  alacrity  was  manifested  in  the  state  of  Ohio,  which, 
II.  t^e  course  of  a  few  days,  embodied  an  equal  force  under  gene- 
ral  Tupper.  The  Pennsylvania  volunteers,  under  general 
Crooks,  were  marched  to  Erie,  and  a  brigade  of  Virginians  under 
general  Leftwich,  was  to  join  the  troops  of  Ohio,  at  Urbanna. 
The  Kentucky  troops,  together  with  the  Seventeenth  United 
States  regiment  under  Colonel  Wells,  the  greater  part  of  which 
had  been  enlisted  in  the  Western  country  since  the  war,  were 
destined  for  Fort  Wayne,  and  thence  for  the  Rapids,  which  was 
appointed  as  the  general  rendezvous.  Thus  in  a  few  weeks, 
Upwarus  of  four  thousand  men  were  drawn  out  from  their 
homes,  completely  equipped,  embodied,  and  ready  for  the 
held.     The  command  of  this  army  was  given  to  major-general 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


57 


J^^!!!!^}H^rrisorrtuke^c^^      th»  Worthwe»lem  A,^ 


_ ■TT..O.CIM  nnay. 

Harrison,  who  was  well  ^no^^iT^^^^i^^^^^^^ste^^-—^ 

pub  c%Si:n"'T'  ^^7'PP«-»^  had  raised  h'lm '^gh  i' 
^nlJ  I  ,  ^".  °^'^*'''  *^  ^^^"'•e  him  this  rank,  a  distinc- 

HarnL  "."?""u  '^^'■"^'^••'  ^1"^"^  honourable  o  femrt] 
Harn^n  and  to  the  person  conferring  it,  who  did  nut  Sve 

r?e  eivedTb^ev";t'r'  consultation'  and  mature  rlfl^tn! 
goveSr  ofLntuckv  h'''""  ^^ '"^J^r-general,  from  the 
the  Northweilrn  „  ^ '       "^  ^"^^  *""^  ^'^^'•'  »he  command  of 

Wayne  situated  on  the  Miami  of  the  Lakes,  and  on  the  r^ad 
^  he  Rap.ds.  It  might  be  expected  that  this  fort  as  wel^as 
tort  Defiance,  Situated  lower  down,  would  be  attempt^  bv  tS 
British,  m  order  to  obstruct  the  road  to  Df^trSf  H  ^• 
arrived  at  Fort  Dmosit  on  the  12th  of  £n7  k  Hai^son 
two  thousan^'  r. .  .undred  men  ""^  ^^P^^"^^^',  with  about 

apm-oac^  -  .  f  ul^'^  -^^'^  '^P  to  it,  disappeared  on  his 
appioach.  -  ..d  been  invested  by  a  considerable  bodv  oT 
them  who  alter  repeated  attacks,  from  the  6?h  to  the  ^h  Z 

destroymg  everything  outside  the  fort.     The  gaS  coa 
sisted  of  no  more  than  seventy  men.  garrison  coa- 

After  remaining  here  a  few  days,  ^oneral  Harrison,  not  think- 

and  ,h«  under  .he  coLand  „? 'llJf'C  ^'I'SiT?;; 

on  liie  river  Si.  Joseph,  which  discharges  itself  into  Lake  Ml 

PalZr^t'"!'^'  *"";l""="'.  »>"ler  .he  commaid  of  ,e„e™i 
t'ayne,  consisting  of  co  one  s  Lewis  nrvH  AH^«'o  -„  •      s^"^™' 

|.pWn  Garrardlco^pany,  „rhX°g?„l!r."h^ 

1  he  detachments  were  in  both  instances  8ucrps«,r.,l  •  ihL\^  V^  1 

^ia'=e„.rfrL""o^hSirS^r^^^^^ 


m 


68 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


The  Army  advances  under  General  Winchester. 


to  Indiana,  but  was  overtaken  by  a  messenger,  with  intbrmation 
of  the  subsequent  arrangements  by  the  order  of  the  President. 
On  the  '2 Id  he  accordingly  resumed  the  command. 

The  day  before  his  arrival,  general  Winchester  had  marched 
for  Fort  Defiance,  on  his  way  to  the  Rapids,  the  place  of  ultimate 
destination.  His  force  consisted  of  c  brigade  of  Kentucky 
militia,  four  hundred  regulars,  and  a  troop  of  horse,  in  all  about 
two  thousand  men.  The  country  which  he  was  compelled  to 
traverse,  opposed  great  difficulties,  particularly  in  the  transpor- 
tation  of  stores.  Along  the  heads  of  the  rivers  which  discharge 
themselves  into  the  Ohio  on  the  south,  and  those  which  dis- 
chr  "ge  themselves  into  the  lakes  on  the  north,  there  is  a  great 
extent  of  flat  land,  full  of  marshes  and  ponds,  in  which  the 
streams  take  their  rise.  In  rainy  seasons  particularly,  it  is 
exceedingly  difficult  to  pass,  the  horses  at  every  step  sinking 
to  the  knees  in  mud.  The  ground,  besides,  is  covered  with 
deep  forests  and  close  thickets.  To  facilitate  the  passage 
through  this  wilderness,  each  man  was  obliged  to  carry  provi- 
sions  for  six  days.  General  Harrison  now  proceeded  in  person 
to  Fort  St.  Mary's,  for  the  purpose  of  organizing  the  ulterior 
movements  of  the  army.  A  detachment  under  major  Jennings 
was  ordered  to  proceed  with  supplies  by  the  Aux  Glaize  river. 

General  Wincheater  was  obliged  to  advance  slowly,  on 
account  of  the  precautions  necessary  to  avoid  surprise  in  a 
country  highly  favourable  for  Indian  warfare.  From  the  close- 
ness  of  the  thickets,  the  troops  were  under  the  necessity  of  cut- 
ting  open  a  road  each  day,  and  were  not  able  to  make  more  than 
six  or  eight  miles.  They  usually  encamped  at  three  o'clock, 
and  threw  up  a  breast-work  to  guard  against  a  night  attack. 
They  had  the  precaution,  on  their  march,  to  be  preceded  by  a 
party  of  spies,  under  an  active  officer,  captain  Ballard,  and  an 
advpii'jed  guard  of  about  three  hundred  men.  On  the  24th, 
they  discovered  an  Indian  trail  for  the  first  time,  and  pursued 
it  some  distance ;  but  from  the  nature  of  the  country,  it  was 
impossible  to  overtake  the  enemy.  Ensign  Leggett,  having 
obtained  permission  to  penetrate  to  Fort  Defiance,  still  at  the 
distance  of  twenty-four  miles,  set  out  accompanied  by  four 
volunteers.  These  gallant  young  mon,  not  being  sufficiently 
experienced  in  such  enterprises,  were  killed  the  same  evening, 
and  found  the  next  day  by  the  spies,  scalped  and  tomahawked 
in  the  most  barbarous  manner.  On  the  27th,  captain  Ballard, 
who  had  gone  before  for  tho  purpose  of  burying  the  dead,  dis- 
covered uii  Indian  trail ;  but  being  aware  of  the  stratagems  of 
this  wily  people,  instead  of  following  it,  he  divided  his  com- 
pany, and  marched  his  men  on  each  side.     The  stratagem  of 


..J?*-" 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


59 


Expedition  to  the  Rapids  under  General  Tupper. 


the  enemy  being  thus  trustratcd,  they  rose  from'  their  hiding, 
places,  raised  the  war-whoop,  and  took  possession  of  an  elf- 
vated  piece  of  ground ;  but  were  soon  compelled,  by  the  an- 
ZZ  f  '^^  r'^^'y ,^^i  the  well-directed  fire  of  he^s^cs'fo 
betake  themselves  to  the  swamps  and  thickets.  The  next  da 
while  the  army  was  on  its  march,  four  Indians  fired  upon  Se 

aTtachmenrof'ho"'''"'^,^- 1^  "^  ^^'  '"^"'  ^"^  «-»'  ^°"vard 
a  detachment  of  horse,  which  return  ng  with  an  account  thai 

no  enemy  could  be  seen,  the  line  of  mar?h  was  agaTn  JesumeS 
They  had   not  proceeded   far,  when   a   trail  was  discovSed 
which  mduced  the  general  to  cross  the  river,  and  shorSy  after 
another  trail  was  discovered,  which  was  a    first  supposed  to 
have  marked  the  march  of  colonel  Jennings,  who  had  been  ^ 
Slov'SvlT  "''^  rrr^'  ^"'^  wL'therefore  haS 
Tem^    Thl  t-!T^''  '"^'^  ^^*^  ^"g""  '^  «"«"^r  for  want  of 
them.     The  mistake  was  unpleasantly  rectified  by  the  arrival 

above^FoTn  r'''''  ""T^^^  intelligence  that  about  two  mS 
above  Fort  Defiance,  they  had  seen  the  Indians  encamped,  wilh 
their  war-poles  erected,  and  bloody  flag  displayed.       ^    ' 

On  the  evening  of  the  29th,  a  messenger  arrived  from  colo- 
tt  iTl°''rlV''  information,  that,%n  having  i  scovered 
the  British  and  Indians  in  possession  of  Fort  Defiance,  hlhad 

ir^  i  I  T^''''  i°  ^""'^  ^^'^"^  fo^fy  '""^^  ^bove  t£t  place 
where  he  had  ei-ected  a  block-house,  and  awaited  further  orders' 
Captain  Garrard,  with  about  thirty  of  his  t-oopers,  was  despatch: 
ed  with  orders  to  Jennings  to  forward  the  prcvis  on^  :  thfs  was 

ErT3  'of  nTk^;  ""'P'""  ""^'T'  ^^'"^^'^  -  ''-  --^'  to  a 
iZf  7  pack-horses,  on  wh-ch  they  were  loaded,  afier  1  .v 
mg  been  for  thirty-s.x  hours  exposed  to  an  incessant  rain  This 
occurreiice  gave  new  life  and  spirits  to  the  starving  army"  wh  "h 

Briti^^h  *h«  "?T'"''l*^'^'"  P°^«^««'«"  °^  Fort  Dffiance  T^e 
fhTtl.fnfl'"''  ^^^  precipitately  descended  the  river.  On 
the  4th  of  October,  general  Harrison  left  the  fort,  and  relumed 
o  the  settlements,  w,th  a  view  of  organizing  and  big  nHp 
U^  centre  and  right  wing  of  the  army;  the  .eft  wingSing 
been  placed  under  the  command  of  general  Winchester  Or? 
to  nrr'^H?'"'"  ?  ^T"™^  '^'^PP^^'  by  'he  commander-in-chief 

men   foT?hLT''^"'''^r*^  '^'  ^^P'^^'  ^'^'^  ^bout  one  thousand 
men   for  he  pupose  of  driving  the  enemy  from  that  place. 
The  intended  expedition  of  general  Tupper  proved  abortive 

^u^iS^^drersr.-!  ^":r_f  i--  of  th^r 

the  Ina-ans  had  killed  a  man  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river 
and  almct  w.thm  gun-shot  of  the  camp!     He  beat  to  arms,  and 


|!l 


60 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


. Failure  of  the  Expedition  to  the  Enpids, 

ordered  major  Brush  to  cross  over  w"ith  about  fifty  men  and 
explore  the  woods  while  a  strong  detachment  would  be  formed 
for  the  purpose  ol  supporting  him,  in  case  of  attack.     The 
party  had  no  sooner  moved,  than  all  in  camp  began  to  break 
away  twenty  or  thirty  together,  in  order  to  join  in  the  chrse, 
and  by  no  exertion  of  authority  could  they  be  kept  back ;  so 
totally  msensible  were  they  to  any  thing  like  regilar  military 
subordmation.     Luckily  these  small  bodies  were  not  aUacked 
or  they  must  have  been  cut  to  pieces.    Immediately  afte?  this,' 
orders  were  given  by  the  commanding  general,  to  go  in  pursui 
of  the  Indians,  and  if  possible  ascertain  their  num6>r;  |enera 
m,"ff  L''P'''f"^^^  h's  situation,  and  requested  that  the  order 

tory  command,  which  he  now  attempted  to  obey.  This  unfoV- 
tunately  resulted  m  a  misunderstanding  between  him  and  the 

rir**^  '"^  P"^?''  ""  co"s«^q"ence  of  which  colonel  Allen 
received  private  orders  to  supersede  him  in  the  command ;  on 

liLT?  '"^^\^"«^".to  the  corps  of  Ohio,  they  positively 
refused  to  march,  unanimously  set  off  for  Urbanna,  and  the 
expedition  was  entirely  broken  up. 

These  are  instances  of  insubordination  much  to  he  regretted . 
and  SlP?"^  %T  '^V'^P^'^^i  kind  of  habitual  olldience 
%thf^?^  confidence  m  their  officers,  incident  to  raw  troops, 
buch  are  the  unavoidable  ov.ls  attending  a  militia  hastily  called 
ogether,  and  not  kept  m  a  body  a  sufficient  length  of  time,  to 
learn  the  utility  of  perfect  subordination.  ' 

It  was  now  necessary  to  wait  until  the  arrival  of  the  other 
divisions  of  the  army,  before  any  thing  further  could  be  at' 
tempted  against  the  Rapids,  and  much  less  against  Detroit.  The 
army  was  at  this  time  accompanied  by  some  friendly  Indians 
whom  general  Harrison  had  received  into  his  service  at  Fori 
Wayne,  the  greater  part  under  the  ommand  of  Logan.  No 
other  course  ^yould  have  prevented  their  becoming  our  enemies  • 
rnZf^l  """'"  ^°«^P'^^  '^^"^  *°  '■^'"^'"  neutral,  while  sur! 

to Tiv^  "T  ^r^^^^'  """''■^'■y  *°  «"'•  '"^^^^  «nd  policy 
to  employ  such  auxiliaries,  we  were  compelled  to  do  so  in  self- 

defence  ;  and  we  afterwards  sufficiently  evinced,  by  the  conduct 
of  those  Indians,  that  it  is  not  impossible  to  restrain  them  from 
the  TOmmission  of  acts  of  barbarity. 

General   Tupper,    having  returned  to   Urbanna   with    his 
mounted  men,  wa.=-  despatched  with  the  division  of  the  centre 
which  consisted  of  a  brigade  of  Ohio  volunteers  and  milit  a 
and  a  regiment  of  regulars,  to  Fort  M'Arthur,  while  the  nVKt 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


61 


ty  men  and 
i  be  formed 
tack.    The 
an  to  break 
the  chase, 
t  back ;  so 
lar  military 
3t  attacked, 
'  after  this, 
0  in  pursuit 
;r;  general 
it  the  order 
'  a  peremp- 
Fhis  unfor- 
ini  and  the 
lonel  Allen 
imand ;  on 
'  positively 
a,  and  the 

regretted , 
obedience, 
aw  troops. 
3tily  called 
)f  time,  to 

the  other 
iild  be  at- 
troit.  The 
y  Indians, 
ce  at  Fori 
gan.  No 
•  enemies ; 
while  sur- 
md  policy 
so  in  self- 
e  conduct 
hem  from 

with  his 
e  centre, 
id  militia, 
the  riffhl 
jade,  was 


-^??ii5fE!£ii!£it<uh^apids  under  ^^ii;;;;^;;;^ 


pKls.  This'  force  consi  td'of  Cut  sin''^'.''^^^  ''  '^^  «- 
being  provided  with  five  dav«' nw  •  ^"^^^red  men  ;  and 

and  on  the  13th  approached  wiS'T^'  """"''^"^  °"  '^^  ^Oth, 
pids,  which  they  fou'^d  bylheT  1  ^I^"'!  ?^^  "^  ^^e  Ra-' 
session  of  the  British  and  In^  I  °  ^  ^''''  '"  the  pos- 

small  vessels  were  seen  ,1^^^^^^  ^  ""'"'^^  .«^  boats  'and 
rnation,  they  advanced  w2  a  fbw  nS  '^?T"  '^'^  '"^°r. 
then  halted  until  sunset,  vhh  a  view  nf  ""■  ^H^^^P'^«'  ««d 
making  an  attack  the  n^xt  Lrn^'T  i  T'u"^,^^''  ''^^''  «nd 
dity  of  the  current  was  sucT  tSh  ^  T''""^'  '^^^  '^P^' 
tual ;  many  of  the  m^n   whn  .n/  ^"'"'"P^"  ""^'^  ineffee- 

down  the  stream,  and' it'  wts  LuTaf  '  'rr^'' ""'''  '^<^P' 
who  had  actually  passed  to  3  hT^^^  '°  ^'"^"^  ^^°«^' 
resort  to  stratagem,  and  if  posSbT;.  «^  ""'  1"°^  ''^^"'^^'^  to 
For  this  purpose,  e^rly  in  thrmorninl  ff"^?"  ""^"^^  ^'^'^ 
of  their  columns,  by  advlcincTsorne  ?"  f""^  '^°^^^  '^^  heads 
in  an  open  space  op^posite  the  Leml  car '"1  ^  ^°°^«' 
sion  appeared  to  ensie  J  tho4  fnX^vL  l  ^r  ^J'^""^  ^°"^"- 
and  descended  the  river  wbiln  th/lw' '''PP'''' 'h^''' cables, 

scampering  off  on  the'^ad  to  Detroit     tfi  ^^•^'"^V^^re  seen 
upon  the  Americans,  with  musketry  Id  t  r''  ""^^  '^I""  ^P^"^^ 
per's  stratagem  did  not  nerfpoflv  ^.f       /°?'' P°""^«^-    Tup- 
first  seemed  disposed  to  c?osslVtr''^'  !"*  ^^^  ^"dians  kt 
tion.     A  number,  however    Ce  1"  '."''•  ^''^  ^''''  «^"- 
crossing  higher  up  the  W    be^n.  nn"^   '\  ^   ''"^«  "'hile 
^mp  might  be  attacked  the'^nerfl  Z 'K''^""''^^  '^^'  his 
He  had  not  proceeded  fa  ,  whfn "ome  Xfl ^'""^''c  '°  ''^*"'•"• 
contrary  to  orders,  fired  ^n  a  droTof  hnc^    'V"^^''"""^^'^^' 
some  distance,  and  others  eonX  ,r    rl"'  """^  P"'^"*'^  tJicm 
to  pull  corn.     At  th  s  moS  ^  disobedient,  entered  a  field 
rushed  forward,  killed  frrTn   n  S°^^  °/ "^""nted   Indians 
right  flank.     The  column  h?     '  ?,  "^  ""^"'^"^  '^e  rear  of  the 
brisk  fire,  and  caused  thril^dfans^o^^^^^^^  back  commenced  I 
rallied,  and  passing  alon.  the  v^n  in  T°"'j'^-     ^^«  ^"'^'^"^ 
the  rear  of  the  left  column"  t4columnw'  '"'1^'  l""^^'^'  "P^" 
back  ;  all  attempts  to  break  it  1^1  ^'  "^ .'°  '^rown  briskly 

■"Minutes,   the  Mans   agi  ST'"^''^"''.^'^^ '"  ^^^^"'^ 
preliminary  to  an  attarknrr:  ^^onceiving   this   only 

right  column  to  move  up  fnt '/v ''"' '^"PP^'-  ^^■'^-'•'^d  the 
attack  from  hp.n..  ^pl"^- "."'^^'''"F  order,  to  prevent  the 


attack  from  h;4:";^^„"P.'".'^«^bing  or.     .       .._, ^ 

now  received,"tha^  theTndiinrj'^'''  "'"^.'     ^"'o^mation  was 
numbers;  on  this,  theVeneri  orH^/^K''^  considerable 

"P  the  marching  order.^^ ^^,^^1  te  feaT'o"^^^^^^ 


I.j|i6i|«i 

Hi 


mm 


62 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Foray  under  Gennral  Hopkins. 


column,  where  a  number  of  Indians  had  already  crossed  on 
horseback,  while  others  were  still  in  the  river,  and  about  two 
hundred  on  the  opposite  bank.  These,  a  battalion  was  ordered 
to  dislodge,  which  completely  succeeded  in  the  undertaking, 
many  of  them  being  shot  from  their  horses  in  the  river.  The 
ditFcrent  charges  of  the  Indians  were  led  by  the  famous  chief 
Spht-Log,  who  rode  a  fine  white  horse,  from  which  he  some- 
times  fired,  at  other  times  alighted,  and  fired  from  behind  a 
tree.  The  horses  appeared  to  have  been  much  superior  to 
those  which  the  Indians  generally  ride,  and  they  were  well 
supplied  with  holsters  and  pistols.  The  Americans  were  com- 
pelled to  return  in  haste,  as  their  provisions  were  by  this  time 
entirely  exhausted,  and  they  hud  to  march  forty  miles  before 
they  could  obtain  a  fresh  supply. 

While  these  things  were  taking  place  in  the  Northwestern 
army  under  general  Harrison,  other  events,  deserving  attention, 
transpired  further  to  the  westward,  under  different  leaders. 
We  have  seen  that  many  of  the  companies  equipped  for  the 
service  of  the  United  States,  were  dismissed,  as  exceeding 
the  number  required,  or  the  number  for  which  supplies  had 
been  provided.  A  spirit  of  volunteering  prevailed,  which  - 
reminds  one  of  the  enthusiasm  of  the  crusades.  Vincennes, 
on  the  Wabash,  was  appointed  the  place  of  rendezvous  for 
an  expedition  against  the  Peoria  towns,  and  others  situated 
on  the  Illinois  and  Wabash  rivers.  Nearly  four  thousand 
men,  chiefly  mounted  riflemen,  under  the  command  of  general 
Hoj-wins,  collected  at  this  place,  and  early  in  October  pro- 
ceeded to  Fort  Harrison.  This  foray  was  sanctioned  by  the 
venerable  governor  Shelby,  of  Kentucky,  and  was,  perhaps, 
the  most  formidable  in  appearance  that  had  ever  entered  the 
Indian  country. 

The  army  reached  Fort  Harrison  about  the  10th,  and  on 
the  14th  crossed  the  Wabash,  and  proceeded  on  its  march 
against  the  Kickapoo  and  Peoria  towns;  the  first  about  eighty 
miles  distant,  the  others  about  one  hundred  and  twenty.  Its 
march  lay  through  open  plains  covered  with  a  luxuriant' grass, 
which  in  autumn  becomes  very  dry  and  combustible.  Mur- 
murs and  discontents  soon  began  to  show  themselves  in  this 
unwieldy  and  ill-compacted  body,  which  was  kept  together  by 
no  discipline  or  authority.  Every  one  consulted  his  own  will ; 
in  fact,  but  little  could  be  expected  from  this  "press  of  chival- 
ry."     They  had  scarcely  been  four  days  on  their  march,  when 


they  demanded  to  be  led  fsnck 


a  major,  whose  narric  it  is 


un- 


necessary  to  remember,  rode  up  to  the  general,  and  perempto 
rily  ordered  him  to  return !     An  idea  had  begun  to  prevail 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


63 


jrosscd  on 
about  two 
as  ordered 
idertaking, 
ver.  The 
nous  chief 
1  he  some- 
»  behind  a 
upcrior  to 
were  well 
were  com- 
'^  this  time 
iles  before 

'thwestern 
;  attention, 
t  leaders, 
ed  for  the 
exceeding 
iplics  had 
!d,  which  ' 
'^incennes, 
zvous  for 
s  situated 

thousand 
)f  general 
ober  pro- 
ed  by  the 

perhaps, 
itered  the 

,  and  on 
ts  march 
)Ut  eighty 
!nty.  Its 
mt  grass, 
e.  Mur- 
es in  this 
pother  by 
)wn  will ; 
if  chival- 
■ch,  when 
:  it  is  un- 
lerempto- 
I  prevail 


_f:!£2!!iEiP«'""'»>  ""'''••■■  General  HopkinB. 


they  were  encamped     wl>irh    i  ,     '^  '''■'^"''  ^^h''o 

•     r-fter.  the  grs\:^  Lcovldt^^^^^^^^^^  '^T  ^ 

flames  approacliing  wit],  great  velocifv      T.  '  ""^  ""^ 

to  be  an  Indian  attScic;  it  woVhnv'  )^  ii'^s  was  supposed 
had  they  not  net  fire  to  the  g  a  f  around  th""^  ^ony^^^'Mo  one, 
arrested  the  pro<rress  of  thr.  fl.^  t  """^  '^'''"P'  ""^  ^'^"3 
council  of  officerf was  called  nnnT"  ^^''  r""'  '"°''"i"S  a 
of  the  army,  or  mro  properlv  oJ  ho  ^'"''^  '"''"^  ^''«  «'^'« 
ceed  againsf'the  Indian^  town  ^^fthLrhnn.P'JP^"^  ?^  P^^ 
number  would  volunteer  ther'^vices  whif/t '""' ^^-^^'^ 
might  return  to  Fort  Harrison      m.n  fV  ^^  remainder 

to  the  men,  not  one  wol Id  turn  out      h'  P^'^P^^^^'  '"^'^^ 
tirely  lost  his  popularity    LfK  '  ^^  ^'^"^'^^  ^^'^"'"S  en- 

direJt  the  opLSns'^-tho^^'sitTe  "Z'-ly  ^^  "^  P'^™'""^'^  ^" 
he  placed  himself  at  thoir  hL!)  °   ,    ^ '  *^'■'  ^'"S  '^S'^^^d  to.    . 
inst'ead  of  fbllg  hhn    thev  tulfl''  ""'^T  '""r"'^  '  ^"* 
contrary  direction,  Teav  „"     .m  to  '''""u'  ""'^  P"^^"^^^  ^ 

one  thousand  two  hundred  men    white  a^"""™'  '"*  "'»'" 

tr£e'rjn'SS£i=-^^^^^^^ 

Passu  creek.  The  partv  undor  Y'^Ti^^P  *°^^n^  «"  Ponce 
place  about  daybt^rb^,  tu^d  tr  elt/  ""Tw  "T  '""^ 
together  with  the  Prophet's  Town  and  ITir^o  K'"  i  '  ''•  ^^e, 
containin<T  one  b.mHroH  .,„A!"'^^^'*'^g^J^'ckapoo  village, 

small  party,  and  killpr?  n  »v,o«  k    Tl  "^>^  "^ed  on  a 

soldier  of  Avail's  eoSnanv  t'L  "  ",T  '"^.°"""'  "  S""-" 
men,  under  cobnels  mE„/w°i""  t^'  "'"""  "'"'y  ''»'«• 
the  dead,  were  suddenlv  !.?„.,  "^l™"'  ■*'"«  «="'  ""l  'o  ^«"y 

:;nh:rdiSkv™Xnrcot^?""^'^  -^'-^^^^ 

»  attack  it,  hut  on  l^:^^Zi:2ZrZ:ZZt 


\  «i 


II 


64 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Defence  of  Fort  Harriaon. 


have  gone  ofT.  Their  situation  was  remarkably  strong,  being 
on  a  high  bank  of  the  Ponce  Passu,  and  no  means  of  ascending 
but  through  some  narrow  ravines.  The  inclement  season  ad- 
vancing rapidly,  it  was  deemed  prudent  to  think  of  returning, 
particularly  as  the  ice  in  the  river  bt^gan  to  obstruct  the  passage. 
The  success  and  good  conduct  of  this  detachment  forms  a 
favourabln  contrast  with  the  first,  and  proves  that  militia  may, 
in  time,  be  trained  to  the  discipline  of  the  camp,  so  as  to  be- 
come efficient  troops.  This  corps  suffered  exceedingly,  and 
without  a  murmur ;  many  of  them  were  sick,  and  to  use  the 
words  of  the  general,  /.any  were  "  shoeless  and  shirtless," 
during  the  cold  weather  of  this  season. 

We  have  passed  over,  without  noticing,  but  with  the  inten- 
tion of  recording  in  a  more  distinguished  manner,  tli>  defence 
of  Fort  Harrison,  which  was  timely  relieved  by  general  Hop- 
kins, on  his  first  expedition.  This  fort  was  invested  about  the 
same  time  with  Fort  Wayne,  by  a  large  body  of  Indians,  some 
of  whom  had  affected  to  be  friendly,  and  had,  the  day  before, 
intimated  to  captain  Taylor,  that  an  attack  might  soon  be  ex- 
pected from  the  Prophet's  party.  On  the  evening  of  the  3d  of 
September,  two  young  men  were  killed  near  the  fort ;  and  the 
next  day,  a  party  of  thirty  or  forty  Indians,  from  the  Prophet's 
Town,  appeared  with  a  white  flag,  under  pretence  of  obtaining 
provisions.  Captain  Taylor,  suspecting  an  attack  that  night, 
examined  the  arms  of  his  men,  and  furnished  them  with  car- 
tridges. The  garrison  was  composed  of  no  more  than  eighteen 
effective  men,  the  commander  and  the  greater  part  of  his  com- 
pany having  suffered  very  much  from  sickness.  For  some  time 
past,  the  fort  had  actually  been  considered  incapable  of  resist- 
ing an  attack.  About  eleven  o'clock,  the  night  being  very  dark, 
the  Indians  had  set  fire  to  one  of  the  block-houses  unperceived. 
Every  effort  was  made  to  extinguish  the  flames,  but  without 
effect ;  a  quantity  of  whiskey,  amongst  other  stores  belonging 
to  the  contractor  deposited  there,  blazed  up,  and  immediately 
enveloped  the  whole  in  a  flame.  The  situation  of  the  fort  be- 
came desperate ;  the  yells  of  the  Indians,  the  shrieks  of  a  num- 
ber of  women  and  children  within,  added  to  the  horrors  of  the 
night,  altogether  produced  a  terrific  scene.  Two  soldiers,  giv- 
ing themselves  up  for  lost,  leaped  over  the  pickets,  and  one  of 
them  was  instantly  cut  to  pieces.  The  commander,  with  great 
presence  of  mind,  ordered  the  roofs  to  be  taken  off"  the  ad- 
joining barracks;  this  attempt,  with  the  assistance  of  Dr. 
Clark,  lortunateiy  proved  sueee-ssful,  alijiuugh  made  under  a 
shower  of  bullets.  A  breast-work  was  then  formed,  before 
morning,  six  or  eight  feet  high,  so  as  to  cover  the  space  which 


IIISTOIiY  OF  THE  WAR. 


05 


'"til    ...  .^Expedition  under  Colonel  Omnpbeii. 

w-.ul.l  br  loll  by  t|„,  burnt  blork-houso      Thn  «~^  •   

""til  d/u  li,;l,t,  vIk.m  the  1.1,  n,? ., ,?  T  a  ^''"S  continued 
loss;  ti.at  of   1...  fir  t.  1  V  H  f  T'm"^'  'f'^'^'^S  «  «cvoro 

pro,.cr  to  retire,  and  made  Lfutb"'',?*  *'"'  ""'■'^'^'  ^^^^S''^ 

was  happily  relieved  Vth  art  "f"Sal  T 1^'  ^'T 
consequence  of  his  condnr-f  Jn  ,  t  ^^'^'"1  iiopkins.  In 
promo'ted  to  a  majority  ^  ^'^'°'"   ''"^   "^^erwards 

threonX:£t\red1;T  ''  ^°'°"^'  «--"'  -th 
rnountedriLm^n,  under  Svc^nrFr"^^^^^^^  "   P^^'^  «»" 

party,  consistin-r  of  "K'n  Ir  i  r*-''^''  "'  ^'"'"  "«•  '^'"« 
to  meet  i^eneral  Honk  ns  ntnl""^  ''""'y  "'^"'  ^^"^  destined 
river.     T^  1"    dist  "^'^  ^he  Illinois 

what  has  bLralrea^'C  .d  "bu  tth'  "  ^""-?"--  ^^ 
persevered  in  their  enter..,  I,!  ^  ^"^^  notwithstanding, 
known  by  the  nTmo  of'pl  '>''"'^,^'''''°>'"^  °"«  «''  '^^  f«wrt' 
dians  into  a  sw"Z  in  its  v!  "-f "  ^T'  ""'^  P'"'«"<^d  the  In- 
shelter.  The  pa' ^waded  into'tS'  '"'''''  '^'^  ''^^^  ^''^'^  ^°^- 
in  some  places'  to\,r  wais^  a  tteTanS  lill  T""'  'T'^^^ 
twenty  of  the  enemv  in  fhl«  r.i  '  V        '"^^  "pwards  of 

The  v'uiage,  wS  ^s  p  u  ot^'kn'S  tuH^?'  °'  '''''  "^«^- 
pletely  destroyed,  toc^ether  with  th.;!  ™","«J»ng.  was  com- 
party'returneJ  to  camp  o„lo  21  7Sr°"f"^-  ^^« 
sence  of  only  thirteen  days  ''^°^"''  ''"'''"  ^"  ^^b- 

inr^C;1.Tt  \&Ta''^'l  °'  ^^f  ^r  ^-^h  United  States 

on  the^MissSinewa  ier  rbrS  oftf  wT'"^^  '""^  '^"^^^ 
inhabited  by  DelawaJes  and  Minm^  ^"^  ^'^^^^^^  ^  t^^"' 
of  November ;  upwards  of  thi  fv  n'  ''"'  '"''P''^''^'^  °"  ^^e  17th 
crs,  and  eight  wa?rlorskiUedThPT  "'"''^  ^"^^^"  P'''^^"- 
a  furious  attack  was  made  on  th  J5^  '^*  '""'"'"S'  ^*  ^^y^'ght, 
with  his  dragoorsSned  t  '^'"^f.^"'^™P=  "'■^.ior  Ball, 
well-direeted^Cfir  cTplj^^^  and  a 

teers,"  compelled  the  rnornvTo  •  "®^^  Pittsbur!,^h  volun- 
of  the  Lexington  troop  or^oU  .^h''  'T^'  ^aP'^^'"  Trotter, 
cipitately  fled".  Caption  ktco  nf  T^ ''"''  '^.?  ^"^'^"^  P^'^' 
unfortunately,  killedin  the  purs'uif    U  ^«"««ville  troop,  was, 

Pennsylvania  volunteers,  ^a'srokiltd'Tr  Z^''^'  °^  ^^-^ 
culary  named  on  thp  Ln^.;  ,•      ^^^  officers  part.. 

Hier/majortS^o^trc^ptrs  S  f  M'Sa^rr'  S 

:lKT;k3«  ^-  -  '^i'ied  :n^[h^u^t^ofte"i.S.:„r  . 

thirty  wounded.^'  Se^ral"ortfr  'V'^^'  ^'"'^'  ""^  ^'^'^»'' 
destroyed.  °^  ^^''"'  ^'""g^s   were  afterwards 


H 


e6 


DUACKKNRIDGE'S 


Security  of  the  Frontier  eitabliihed. 


Besides  those  aiTnm,  there  were  others  of  less  momont,  in 
which  the  niilitm  of  Indiana,  Illinois,  and  Missouri  territ-  ries, 
greatly  distinguished  themselves.  The  Indians  were  now  s^ 
much  harassed,  that  they  began  seriously  to  repent  of  having 
aken  up  the  war-club  so  hastily  ;  and  their  suflerings,  during 
the  succecdi.-  wmter,  were  not  likely  to  produce  any  change 
of  feeling  towards  those  who  had  thus  urged  them  to  encounter 
their  own  ruin.  The  security  of  the  frontier  from  the  murder- 
ous  scalping  krife  of  the  savage,  was  thus,  in  a  great  measure, 
etfected.  1  ho  Indians  would  bo  compelled  to  remove  to  tho 
distant  British  establishments  for  sustenance,  durin<T  the  win- 
ter,  since  their  means  of  subsistence  were  cut  off.  As  to  the 
loss  of  their  huts  or  wigwams,  that  was  n  matter  of  little  con- 
sequence  to  them;  a  few  days  being  suflicient  tore-construct 
them.  But  by  their  being  thus  driven  to  a  distance,  with  their 
wives  and  children,  they  were  prevented  from  annoying  the 
settlers,  with  their  fiendlike  warfare.  Many  a  .naceful  settler 
was  saved  from  their  midnight  attacks  ;  and  "the  slumbers  of 
the  cradle    were  protected  from  tho  savage  war-whoop. 


CHAPTER  V. 


,Zn    .urn         ?„"  ^'"""•"-f^T"""  of  the  Caledonia-Battle  of  QueenMown. 
mtlTen        T^  Brock-Bombardment  of  Fort  Niagara  by  the  British- Abortive 
wT„^  .H^T'^  Smyth-Northern  Army-Incursion  of  For.ythe-of  Colonel  Pike 
-War  on  the  Lakes-Fust  Cruise  of  Commodore  Chauncey. 

It  is  now  time  to  turn  our  attention  to  the  Nc;'hprn  fron- 
tier, that  we  may  take  a  view  of  the  occurrences  on  that  exlen- 
sive  line,  from  Niagara  down  the  St.  Lawrence.  Towarcie  ihe 
close  of  the  year,  our  forces  had  chiefly  concentrated  in  .wo 
bodies :  one  near  Lewistown,  consisting  of  some  regulars 
newly  enlisted,  and  militia,  amounting  to  four  thousand  men, 
under  general  Van  Rensselaer,  of  New  York ;  the  other,  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Plattsburg  and  Greenbush,  under  the  com- 
mander-in-chief,  general  Dearburne.  At  Black  Rock,  at  0<r. 
densburg,  and  Sackett's  Harbour,  some  regulars  and  militTa 
were  also  stationed.  During  the  summer  and  autumn,  a  num- 
^r  Ox  vo.uiuecr  companies  i.uJ  marched  to  the  borders,  as  also 
the  new  recruits,  as  fast  as  they  could  be  enlisted.     Bodies  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


m 


J^^PJ^n  «"o  Canoda  Frontier . 


•  Capturoof  ttio  Caledonia. 


. ;7"-" -J v-apmroor  tiio  Caledonia. 

thoy  arrived.     It  was  ox'^v T  I  ^^  .  Z'  '"=  !''«  ""'^  '^°«P«  «« 
bor,  every  thiniz  woull  F      .  ''"'  ^'°"'  "'^  "^«n"'  "^  Octo- 

experienced,  in  cons^^^'oV  h^SaT";-  T'  ''^"^"^' 
of  Massachusetts,  [Vew  Hamoshirn  nn?l  r  ""  govcrnora 

the  militia  of  those  states  rmn.K'      ?  ^"""ecfjct,  to  permit 
president,  on  iheVround  of  S       "k"^""  '^?  ''^q^'^'tion  of  tfu. 

under  th^  constiLS r^nhe' Xen^vlh^',  '"^^  J"'^=««' 
them;  and  as  thev  worn  not  rr?   "^  7    .   '^'^  ^"'8^'  ''c'l"'"' 

lariy  so  to  r^ndS J  i  oZ  "''  Lv  filt  """',""'  ^" '''^"- 
waive  their   priviieces      oZT      '^'^  .'^'"  "«  disposition  to 

also  urged,  whidK  sca^col  n"  "' '"''"""'  °''J""''°"«  ^"'^ 
nnlitia  Tn  those  sfaes  v^re  I  t  ?T"-  '  '° ,'"•="';«"•  As  tho 
tive,  than  any  in  the  Union   a         f ''  '•'^^'^'  ""'^  '""''e  eifec- 

ii  i3  highly  p^i^hMfe  ":  J ::'  ^u"  "^"^^  ^''• 

the  part  of  these  states  with  the  ■      v    of".i?.    """'^f?^^'""  "^ 

ment,  Upper  Canada,  at  least  Zn,\Al      r  ,    ^?"^'^'  e*'^«''»- 

inthecZseofthefifstcaX:^^^ 

collected  at  difTcrent  ooinfs  •  L,i        ™'  "^/X  stores  had  been 

been  appointed  in  rons^n     '  ""'^ /^P^ral  Dcarbornc,  wJ,o  had 

lutionarTwar    was  actlJot   '       ^'f  "•^P^'''^^^^  '"  the  revo- 

such  officers  as  So  Rnv5^  ""fl^""^'  ^"''^  '^^  assistance  of 

if  possible,  to  gl  the  as^S?"'";,°  ""^  Champlain,  ii  order, 
tions  of  our  ffrce''      Thf      "^  ^'i'''^'  ''"'^  '^  ^'^  the  opera- 

Rensselaer  was  cailed  the  Ar7  ""ffu  *^'  '°'"'"^"d  ^^  ^an 
it  from  that  under'g  trlufe  to  distinguish 

atecomn^nd  of  gL^,  Del^^Z'^^t^Ty'lf  t  ^.o^' 

De?oit.'tS7fh:  Adtf  ^'  ^,^^°5^^'''^«  Briti^h'tig 
hr.r,  n  I  J    '.'^'^v   ine  Adams  surrendered   bv  Hull    ar^,}   tu 

sent  an  exnrmTo  Cf?n  f  "  "',  '""cWng  them,  and     * 


fiVpni'rifT      MTM^n^lml 


who    ahn>  f  fiA     •  ,    '"''  seamen,  then 

I^k'  i'^f  ^^y."^.  """'ber.  arrived  in  the 

tw^;ar^S.t°io^^^:'Sr''--     AlWing-^m^'S 

about  My  voIun?Ls  ^.'o  ?n    !?  T^^'^"?  ^"  ''"^'^  ^* 
jr     uiunieers,   who  jomed   him,   and,   crossing  the 


t8 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


w 

? 

1 

ml 

(I 

m 

> 

Battle  of  Queenstown. 


river,  slipped  down  to  the  brigs,  suddenly  boarded  them,  and 
took  possession,  and  immediately  got  under  weigh ;  but  the 
Avind  not  being  sufficiently  strong  to  bear  them  against  the  cur- 
rent, they  were  both  run  aground ;  the  Caledonia,  so  as  to  be 
protected  by  the  batteries  of  Black  Rock  ;  but  the  Detroit,  after 
being  defended,  until  a  considerable  part  of  the  military  stores 
on  board  were  secured,  was  set  on  fire  and  destroyed.  The 
Caledonia  was  laden  with  furs  to  the  amount  of  one  hundred 
and  fifty  thousand  dollars.  This  was  elfectcd  with  the  loss  of 
only  two  killed,  and  four  wounded. 

This  affair,  having  kindled  the  ardour  of  the  Americans  of 
the  >rmy  of  the  Centre,  they  demanded  to  be  led  to  the  inva- 
sion of  Canada,  and  some  of  the  volunteers  threatened  to  return 
home,  unless  their  wishes  were  complied  with.  But  this  was 
not  the  ardour  of  veterans,  well  acquainted  with  the  dangers  to 
be  encountered,  and  despising  them;  it  was  the  inconsiderate 
rashness  of  inexperienced  men,  ready  to  anticipate  the  proper 
moment,  but  not  possessing  the  firnniess  to  persevere  when 
surrounded  by  unaccustomed  terrors.  After  a  conference  with 
generals  Smyth  and  Hall,  general  Van  Rensselaer  resolved  to 
make  an  attack  on  the  heights  of  Queenstown.  From  the  in- 
formation he  could  collect,  the  enemy's  force  had  been  chiefly 
drawn  off  for  the  defence  of  Maiden,  as  it  was  supposed,  under 
the  command  of  general  Brock,  who  had  left  the  territory  of 
Michigan  under  the  government  of  general  Proctor,  until  he 
could  organize  a  force  to  return.  Could  this  place  be  possesjed 
by  our  troops,  they  would  be  sheltered  from  the  approaching 
inclemency  of  the  season,  and  the  operations  of  the  Western 
Army  much  facilitated.  Accordingly,  at  four  in  the  morning  or 
the  11th,  in  the  midst  of  a  dreadful  north-east  storm  and  heavy 
rain,  an  attempt  was  made  to  pass  tlie  river ;  but,  owing  to  the 
darkness  of  the  night  and  various  unforeseen  accidents,  the 
passage  could  not  be  effected. 

This  failure  but  served  to  increase  the  impatience  of  the 
troops,  who  became  almost  ungovernable.  Orders  were  des- 
patched to  general  Sm^th,  to  advance  with  his  corps,  as  another 
attempt  would  be  maue  on  Queenstown.  Every  arrangement 
was  rapidly  made :  and  early  on  the  morning  of  the  13th,  tho 
t/oops  embarked,  under  the  cover  of  the  American  batteries. 
The  ibrce  designated  to  storm  the  heights,  was  divided  into  two 
columns ;  one  of  three  hundred  militia,  under  colonel  Van  Rens- 
selaer, the  other  of  three  hundred  regulars,  under  colonel  Chris 
tie=  These  were  to  bf.  ffillnwed  oy  colonel  Fenwick's  artillery, 
and  then  the  other  troops  in  order.  The  British,  in  the  mean- 
while, anticipating  this  attack,  had  obtained  considerable  rein- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


69 


Battle  of  aueenstown. 


fZZ         ?T/°'"*  ^'°'Se,  and  if  necessary,  could  be  still 
ln7/'f.u '^  ^^,  general  Brock,  who,  it  now  appeared  com 
manded  at  that  place      At  daylight,  as  soon  asThe  ap'oaSi 
of  the  Americans  could  be  discovered,  a  shower  of  musSv 
and  grape  opened  from  the  whole  line  on  the  Canarshore 
sTxes    whi^h  '"ft'^  ^^  '"'  '^"^"^^'  ^i^h  the  addition  of  two 
Scott'hid  hm  'ir/,'?  ^^^^^'•di^^ry  effort,  lieutenant-colone" 
tS  fil     r    f  ^*  ^°  '''^''  assistance  from  the  Falls  of  Niar^ara. 
The   fire  of  the  enemy,  and   the  eddies   in   the  river    oro 
duced  considerable  embarrassment,  in  consequence  of  wwirh 

ho?r;r'r\  ^^^T^'^'  "^^^^   -^^   wounTd   b^  a  g  ape: 
shot  in   the  hand,  and   colonel   Mulaney,  fell   below  the  ?n 
tended    point    and   were  obliged    to   return.      Cobnel    Van 
Ren  selaer,  who  commanded  the  whole,  and  who  led  the  van 
reached  the  shore,  with  only  one  hundred  men,  in  the    Tdst  of 
a  most  galling  fire.     He  had  scarcely  leaped  on  "and,  when  he 
received  four  severe  wounds,  which  retarded  the  onse       This 
gal  ant  officer,  being  still  able  to  stand,  thou/ suffer  n..  the 
most  excruciating  pain,  ordered  his  mek  to  move  STv  ud 
the  heights.     Captain  Ogilvie  assumed  the  command  sSljed 
by  captam  Wool,  who  was   also  wounded,  and  foHowed   bv 

feevroTthfTS''  ?r%"*S^^"^"'  «°"^--«'  -"  eligj 
S  n!  ,  T^L''^^"^^  Lieutenants  Gansevoort  and  Ran- 
SI  TT  A  ^^^  '^"^^  '°  '^^  "ght  of  the  fort,  gave  th^ee 
cheers,  and  after  several  desperate  charges,  at  the  head  of  a 

th;  M    in?v"'  ""T^  '^'  ^'t'''  «"d  ^^°^«  ^he  enemy  down 
he  hiil  in  every  direction.     The  enemy  retreated   behind   « 

arge  stone  house,  and  kept  up  their  fire^.-  birSr  bat  eis 

Tde    cXTfeTn^H"'^";'""^^"^^'^-    ThedetacS 
uiiaer  colonel  Christie,  on  his   second   attempt,  now  lanH,>r1 

oZf  M  cV""''""^'^  ^^°"  ^"^^  arrivedfunrc S  „'• 
l^ibson  MChesneyand  Lawrence;  and  colonels  Mead  Stra 

fcl.  '"'  'f  •  °*^''  '""'^'^  °fi^^«r«-  About  this  t  me  genl ml 
Brock  arrived  m  person,  with  the  Forty-ninth  reoimem  sfx 
hundred  strong.  Perceivipg  him'approacLg  to  thenar  of  the 
detaS'?'7  Wool,who'commaSed  at  this  pit,  oXeJ  a 
detachment  of  about  one  hundred  and  sixty  men  to  charge 

^f  econd'i'"'  f"  ^"r  '"^'^'  '"^  '^•"g  ^''"'■--d,  chaTled 
uZZ;         ■     E"^o""f«'-ing  a  great  superiority  of  numbers 

2  sSon  t?r'P'?'  ""^^  T  ""^''^^  ««^^«'^'  considering 
wieir  situation  hopeless,  niacfid  n  wh  fo  K,r,JU„-^}, •-/'--  .,         ■  ° 

or  a  bayonet,  in  token' o^f  submlssioi  ^hLhTa^Tis^^ml^tom 
away  by  captain  Wool,  who  ordered  the  m^ to  stand  the'r 
ground.   At  this  instant,  colonel  Christie  advanced  wth  a   ein 


70 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Battle  of  gueenatown,  and  Peath  of  General  Brock. 


forcement  Which  increased  the  number  of  the  detachment  to 
three  hundred  and  twenty.     This  officer  now  led  on  a  despe- 
rate  charge,  and  completely  succeeded  in  putting  to  flielu  a  reei- 
ment  twice  his  numbevs,  and  bearing  the  name  of  Invinciblls. 
General  Brock,  exasperated  at  this  conduct,  endeavoured  to 
rally  them,  when  he  received  three  balls,  which  terminated  his 
existence ;  his  aid,  captain  M'Donald,  at  the  same  instant  flill- 
ing  by  his  Side,  mortally  wounded.     At  two  o'clock,  general 
Wadsworth  of  the  militia,  and  colonels  Scott  and  Mulanev 
crossed  uver.     Captain  Wool,  having  been  ordered  to  retire  to 
have  his  wounds  dressed,  again  returned  to  the  action.     The 
^orty-ninth  being  repulsed,  and  the  British  commander  havin.^ 
lallen    the  victory  was  thought  to  be  complete;  and  general 
Van  Rensselaer  crossed  over,  for  the  purpose  of  immediately 
lortiiying  a  camp,  to  prepare  against  future  attacks,  should  the 
enemy  be  reinforced.     This  duty  he   assigned   to   lieutenant 
lotten,  an  able  engineer. 

^  The  fortune  of  the  day  was  not   yet  decided.     At  three 
o  clock,  the  enemy  having   rallied,  and   being  reinforced  by 
several   hundred  Chipr-ewa  Indians,  again   advanced   to  the 
attack.     At  first,  our  men  were  disposed  to  falter,  but  beincr 
animated  by  such  leaders  as  colonel  Christie  and  colonel  Scott"! 
marched  boldly  to  the  charge,  and  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet 
once  more  compelled  the  British,  who  were  now  the  assailants, 
to  retire.     This  was  the  third  victory  gainod  since  mornin-, 
and  had  the  contest  ended  here,  it  would  have  been  one  of  the 
most  glorious  for  our  country.     General  Van  Rensselaer  per 
ceiving  that  the  men  on  the  opposite  side  embarked  but  slowly, 
and  fearing  another  conflict,  re-crossed  for  the  purpose  of  expe- 
ditmg  their  departure.     But  what  was  his   astonishment,  on 
reaching  the  American  side,  when  he  found  that  they  positively 
refused  to  embark  I     More  than  twelve  hundred  men  under 
arms  were  drawn  up  on  the  bank,  where  they  remained  as  idle 
spectators  of  the  scene,  and  neither  commands  nor  entreaties 
could  prevail  on  them  to  move.     They  planted  themselves  on 
heir  constitutional  privilege  ;  the  same  men,  who  a  tew  days 
oetore  had  expressed  so  much  impatience  that  their  ardour  was 
restrained     ft  seems  that  this  boiling  ardour  had  suddenly  been 
cooled,  by  \vhat  they  had  witnessed  on  the  opposite  shore. 

At  four  o'clock,  the  British  being  reinforced  by  eight  hundred 
men  Irom  tort  George,  renewed  the  engagement  with  fresh 
vigour.  General  Van  Rensselaer,  perceiving  that  our  men 
Were  now  almns^  PYhnnotori  writu  A.»;r.>.«  «„j  iu_:- 

nearly  spent,  was  compelled,  under  the  most  painful  sensations, 
to  address  a  note  to  general  Wadsworth,  communicating  the 


)Ut  being 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR 


of  boats  ih^incatfi^lh^^^^^ 

witb  his  tr,o.s  to  the  wS  s2"  TJ''''  ^?  "'^hl  return 
followed,  vvh.ch  was  kepruo  for  £*ir  "^  ^fP^^f^  contest  soon 
discharge  of  muskotrv  an7nrHII  ''''  u""""''  ^^  «  ^^^^inued 
gradually  overpowS  bv  numS  ^/k  "^^'^  ^^'^  '^°°P«  ^«^e 
dining,  and  their  hopes  bJin^^Sr' -^\"'  u'™^^*  ^^P*^'y  de- 
had  by  this  lime  reSed  #h.  ^^r!^  ^^  *''''  information  they 
but  in^his  they  werTfru'straTed  '"J'V^,  ^"^^P^^d  to  re-embark^ 
out  any  lon-eV    and  mnl  ^     '"  »™POssibIe  to  hold 

countr/men^who^ood  looC^^^^^^^^  "'  ?'  "P'^^'^  '^  ^^ei. 
of  their  foes  th7y  aHen  °th  2rr  J?^  T'  ?""  '^'^  *"«  '''^Hth 
of  war.     During^tte  SL  n^^^^  ^^"-"^''^ 

last  reinforcement,  the  remilnr/t  .       ^  f  "gageme.it  with  tha 
fifty  in  number    bore  thf  Sf  nfT"  '^'"  ^^°  ^"^'•^''^d  and 
The  prisoners  weregonerallvTrpl?"  Vu''  ^'^^'^'^'y  «l°«e- 
they  imposed  no  restra^^t  o^l  f     i^''  ^>' '^'  British,  but 
mediately  to  the  worTof  Ir;;  •        ""i''^''  ''^^  proceeded  im- 
even  maJy  of  tL  wounded    Sri"  t  l^'P•"S/'^^  ^'-n^  and 
these  wretches  were  not  re.  mitTr  ^    °'^'^'  '"^'gn't'os  which 
offered  to  the  bolt  orensjXrrif 7  f """"^^"'"g'  ^vere  those 
Contrasted  with  tL,  ifi    worl    S  Y    ""''  '^  '^'  "^^"«^  ^ero. 
guns  of  the  American  >irtWfi/r?  mentioned,  that  the 
mony  of  general  Brop].!  T        ""l  ^"""S  '^«  ^""eral  cere- 

sava^.es,  ha'd  iSy  c^ot;  totl'i??  ^f  ™^  ^"T^^'  ^^^- 
to  have  learned  alesson  of  humJn  f  '"?."r'^"'"g  o^ this,  ought 
could  not  teach.  humanity,  which  their  civilized  allies 

tinued  the  greater  pS  of  the7^^^^^ 

although  drisedln'tnifo'rm  2;"/,^;  fSI^^  '^^''^"^ 
did  not  receive  the  slightest  wound     «         fnd  elegant  stature, 

declared  that  they  haf  ktrdltrat:^^' ^[^^ " '"a" T'^ 
teer  company  of  riflemen  imHo.  i;  ?  ^""  at  hi.o.  A  volun- 
prisoner  U  Indian  chTef  , "Sen  fhr"'"'  ^T^'  ^^°  '°«k 
time,  was  much  disSisied  iLTr^.  '^"''^.  ^  «^^°"*J 
was  severely  wounded  but  n^;.r  1  ,>  ?u^"^  ''°'°"^'  ^^'^"^^•^k 
•action.     Cap'lains  oTbs^n   Wool  anfM'Ch^'"""'^  '^"^'"^  ^''^ 

^-andinkiH-rSdTdrd-rr^^^^^^ 

-X  mo  prisoners  were  taken  to  Montreal '  ""  ^"'"''''"  P^'* 

^eorge  on  the  American  Fort  Niagara 


''Si 


72 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Bombardment  of  Fort  Niagara  l.y  the  British. 


Which  was  returned  and  kept  up  during  the  day  on  both  sides. 
Ihe  battery  commanded  by  captain  M'Keon,  which  was  man- 
aged  with  abihty,  set  fire  to  several  houses  near  the  British  fort. 
A  twe  ve  pounder  happening.to  burst,  and  at  the  same  time  the 
opposite  garrison  beginning  to  throw  shells,  captain  Leonard 

tn nV  l^T*^?!  '"^  ^'''\'''"  ^°'"''  ^"'  «°°"  '^^^r.  perceiving 
the  British  about  to  cross,  he  returned  with  a  guard  of  twenty 
men,  and  kept  possession  during  the  night.  The  next  evening 
he  was  joined  by  the  remainder  of  the  garrison.  Three  days 
afterwa.ds  the  British  batteries  below  Fort  Erie,  opened  a  fire 
on  the  camp  at  Black  Rock.  One  of  the  barracks  was  de- 
stroyed  by  a  shell,  which  blew  up  the  magazine,  but  no  lives 

"tic   IDoLb 

The  garrison  of  N-  :ira,  having  been  considerably  reinforced 
was  again  attacked     a  the  21st,  from  the  batteries  of  Fort 

Tf.i  ^""'^  P' -'^^^  ^^^  ^^^"^^^^  "early  opposite  each  otlier, 
and  at  the  entrance  of  the  Niagara.  The  cannonading  continued 
from  sunrise  until  dark,  the  enemy  throwing  upwards  of  three 

thousand red.hotshot,andupwardsoftwohundredshells;  several 
of  the  barracks  and  adjoining  buildings  were  fired,  but,  through 
the  indefa. gable  exertions  of  Major  Armistead,  of  the  United 
States  artillery,  the  fire  was  repeatedly  extinguished.  Colonel 
MFee  ey,  who  commanded  the  fort,  ordered  the  different  bat- 
teries to  open  ;  and  the  enemy's  fire  was  returned  with  interest, 
feeveral  houses  m  Newark,  and  about  the  fort,  were  bi-rnt  •  a 
schooner  lying  under  its  gun^'  was  sunk,  and  one  of  their  bat- 
teries for  a  time  completely  silenced.  Captair.  M'Keon  com- 
manded in  he  southeast  block-house,  and  captain  Jack,  of  the 
militia  artillery,  m  the  northeast,  the  situation  most  exposed. 

in!fH  T,"k  u"T''tT'^  commanded  by  lieutenants  Rees 
and  Hendal,  both  of  which  were  very  destructive.  Lieutenant 
Gansevoort  commanded  the  Salt  battery;  Doctor  Cooper,  of 
the  militia,  had  the  command  of  a  six-pounder.  Lieutenant 
K.ps  having  been  wounded,  his  place  was  taken  by  captain 
Leonard,  during  the  remainder  of  the  day.  During  this  severe 
bombardment,  we  had  only  four  killed,  and  a  small  nu.^ber 
wounded,  among  whom  was  lieutenant  Thomas.  Colonel 
M  Fecley  spoke  m  high  terms  of  colonel  Gray,  major  Armi- 
stead, captam  Mul  igan,  and  all  the  other  officers  ind  men. 

fhp  nflT''"  .  '  ^'t"''  v-^'  ^''^'"g  expended  their  wadding, 
the  officers  tore  off  their  shirts  and  the  soldiers  their  pantaloon? 
^  be  used  for  that  purpose.  Anj,xtraordinary  instance  of  fe- 
male  bravery  occurred  on  this  nrr^nsinn      Th-  ...jc.  -><•  -  -. 

Swn'°in7''  ''^'  •"!  ".""".r*"  ^°y'^'  ^«^^"  prisonerWoLeens- 
town,  and  carried   to  Montreal,  deter.nined  to  revenge  tho 


treat 

taint 

conti 

the  e 

ment 

Sh 

Van 

briga 

Smyt 

the  A 

and  ( 

thefo 

select 

batter 

Chippi 

Reassi 

the  fai 

mand, 

•     he  set 

tiien  hi 

effectuf 

appeal! 

people, 

Every 

people, 

of  their 

had  ♦hii 

feilure, 

told  tha 

their  .ser 

he  had  j 

these  ba 

then  add 

appeal  in, 

'ate  disa 

wives  an 

eions  of  i 

the  fcelin 

in  some  i 

indulged 

rated  by 

failure,  h 

would  thp 

was,  how 

conded  bj 


BtM«iF^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


73 


■ — - ,..  „■  v,ciicfai  oinytii. 

continued  to  serve  ho?sho  ,ln?h  i  ^  ^^ii<^rlcs,  >..here  she 
the  enemy's  shells  TonZTlCdul^'^A'',  ^^^  ^'^'  '^''hough 
ment  threatened  deduction  ^  '"""'^  ''"''  ^"^  ^^^'•y  '"o. 

VantSs:!l:VtSTh?co'"'^  of  Queenstown,  General 
brigaaier.general  Sr„y"h  of  thp  TTr."«'  ^^"'^  ''^^'^'^^d  on 
Sn^yth  announced  hTs  de^-rLn^tion  nf  ^^'''  """y-     ^^"^'•al 
the  American  arn.s,  bv  anoZf.n    ^^^'^^'''^^^g  'he  honour  of 
and  entrenchments  on  tSe  o  '  0^7-.°"  '^^^"''^^  ^^««"«« 
the  former  attack  had  not  been  cnnl  S'  •  ?'  ^""^^^^^^  that 
selection  of  the  point  of  3lbtkarn"liJ''^  J'i^Sment,  in  the 
batteries,  whereks  it  ouc^hfto  havG^::^nT  /  '"  '^^  ^^^  °^  ^^eir 
Chippewa.      This  he  hadU  fir  .     ^"  ^''^"■^^"  ^""'^  Erie  and 
Rensselaer,  anS  o  the  llct  of'^hf'"'^'"^      '^  §^"^'-«'  ^an 
the  failure  of  the  former  attelt      R  '    ™^''^"  ^«  «""b»fe" 
«iand,  and  being  at  lEv  to^f  *     •  ^'"^  "°^''  '^°  ««'«  ^^o'"" 
-      he  set  about  pre|aril  a7o  ce  ?or ^h       '''''"''^"  ''^  ^""^  ?'««• 
then  had  under  his  comm«nT/     ^^  Purpose,-  that  which  hi 
effectual  mode  to  acZnil^M^  T'"^'^^"''     ^'  ^^e  most 
appealing  to  the  puJ^SS  „n?  *!'  "'""^  «  Proclamation 
people,  and  invidng  toluS  «iP^^"'^''«'"  of  the  American 

Every  topic  which^ro!l7inZnceThrh2  ^^  f  '^'  ^""'''y- 
people,  was  strongly  urged    th^v  J     ^^^"^ «  ""^  minds  of  the 
of  their  ancestors  of  the  rto lutlL      r?.™  r*^?^  ""^'^^  «*Ploit« 
bad  *hus  far  attende^'hrpt S  ion  S',?''" ''"^ ^  ^'^ 
fe|!ure    and  the  disgracefur^rSdeVof  Hur^V^  ^^^^"^ 
told  that  even  the  /ndians  of  the  fri^Au^-    ^     *     ^^^^  "'ere 
their  .services,  but  that  thro  m!;?^  ®!*  ^*^'°"«  bad  offered 
be  had  refusJd  to  fdiow  Hf  „S1 '°  '^'T''  of  humanity, 
these  barbarous  warnoTs  uDi^^ihf   i  T""^^^^  "^^  ^««'"g  'oose 
then  addr-ssed  himself  nartK   f  i^^^^^'^^n'^  of  Canada.    He 
appealing  to  theirl:;Ha7tlLT 

iate  disaster,  and  at  the  sime  H^5  u    !u-^"'  ^'^  '^t"«ve  the 
wives  and  children  from  t£  n  J       '  ^  '''."  '^^P'  ^^"''o  their 
fiions  of  the  savaae      Thi,«wf       """^  ^'^^  murderous  incur- 
the  feelings  of  ufe  moment  afcr  "^'l^'-^^^-^  to  reach 
i"  some  respects  repreSbt    nS  T'?'"^  '"  ''^  ''y^^'  «nd 
'ndulgedat  theexpeLerithlrf  M    "'-^  '"•  '^"  ^^^^^'ions 
tated  by  prudenci  as  re.pe^tl  himS'^f''' ''  T^  "°'  ^^^■ 
failure,  he  would  naturaHv  h!  ^™^'^j  ^o'" '"  the  event  of  a 
would  thpn  b-  ♦^."ir^  ^   ^  exposed  to  ridiculfi.  for  „,h., 

was    however,';rwiS?Z:ff  ?""'''^'^°'^«'"°'"^d«-    I' 
-ded^by  an  a.i.ate^?.Xm£ ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 


»j, ; 


imACKENillDaE'S 


Abortive  nttoinpt  of  General  Sniytli. 


the  New- York  militia.  About  the  27ih of  Novemlor,  JipwnriJs 
of  four  thousand  'i»'e  hundred  men,  consisting  of  ifrr«.|a  's,  and 
the  volunteers  from  Pennsylvania,  New-York  ond'B..!tiinore, 
were  collected  at  Buffalo;  and  the  ofTicers  were  actlveJy  en- 
gaged in  Jiilling,  equipping  and  organiz'iig  ther'.  fo-  th<  in- 
tended  enterprise. 

Seventy  boats,  {.■'.d  a  number  of  scows,  were  p  vnared  for 
the  reception  of  the  army,  that  they  might  bo  nt  once  transport- 
ed to  the  Canadian  shox.  Buf  ]'ivnaratory  to  the  principal 
attack,  two  detachi.^cnts,  one  under  colonel  Boerstler,  >;nd  an- 
other under  captain  King,  received  order?  to  past-;  wer  before 
day  :  tho  first  to  destroy  .>  bridge,  ai  out  five  miles  lielow  Fort 
Erie,  and  c;  ^uire  the  guard  stationed  theit. ;  iie other  tosfo 
the  British  botteries.  Before  they  reach -d  the  opposj if:  shore, 
Uic  enemy  Ojuened  a  heavy  fire ;  the  first  detachment  larnied  and 
t',-ok  somo  prisoners,  but  failed  in  destroying  the  bridge.  The 
other,  uniiv)'-  cstplain  King,  landed  higher  up  at  the  Red  House, 
drovv  H-c  cnvvny,  and  thijn  advanced  to  their  batteries,  which 
they  htonned,  and  then  spiked  the  cannon.  Lieutenant  Angus, 
with  L  number  of  marines,  accidentally  separaud  from  captain 
King,  vmd  no  reinforcements  arriving  from  th,-  opposite  side, 
they  concluded  that  King  and  his  party  had  be;.)  taken  prison- 
ers, and  therefore  returned.  The  party  of  King,  now  consist- 
ing of  seventeen,  besides  captains  Morgan  an'd  Sprowl,  and 
live  other  officers,  was  in  full  possession  of  the  ^orks,  while 
the  enemy  was  completely  dispersed.  Finding,  at  length,  that 
they  could  not  expect  to  be  supported,  they  resolved  to  return. 
But  one  boat  could  be  found,  to  transport  them  all.  Captains 
Sprowl  and  Morgan  passed  over  with  the  prisoners ;  leaving 
captain  King,  who  was  soon  afler,  with  his  small  party,  sui" 
rounded  and  taken  prisoner.  On  the  return  of  captain  Sprowl, 
colonel  V/inder  was  ordered  to  pass  over  with  about  three  hun- 
dred men.  He  instantly  embarked  and  led  the  van.  His  own 
boat  was  the  only  one  which  touched  the  opposite  shore,  the 
others  having  been  swept  down  by  the  swiftness  of  the  current. 

From  various  causes  the  embarkation  of  the  main  body  was 
retarded  much  beyond  the  appointed  time,  so  that  it  was  twelve 
o'clock  in  the  day,  when  about  two  thousand  men  were  ready 
to  nriove.  General  Tannehill's  volunteers,  and  colonel  M'CUire's 
regiment,  were  drawn  up  ready  for  a  second  embarkation. 
The  enemy  by  this  time  had  collected  on  the  opposite  shore, 
and  appeared  ready  to  receive  them.  The  departure  of  oui 
troops  was,  in  the  most  unaccountable  manner  d*  layed  until 
late  in  the  afternoon,  when  orders  were  given  tc  rk.  Much 
murmuring  and  discontent  ensued  ;  which  wer  too  mea- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


75 


Abortive  attempt  of  General  Smyth . 


•  Northern  Army. 


.,  - — •— — _j__l__Lim;^jjjjj  ivorihern  Army. 

yard;  and  accordTnl  o^  MonZ  '  "^'^'^^^'^lovv  the  navy 
boats  were  colIected'X;°L  n"  pTsr'S  ^'.'^  ,''k'''/''  ^^' 
the    exception  of  about    two    hrrlr;rl  ''''°'^  ^°^^''  '^''"^ 

at  four  o'clock:  the  mpn  II .  il    ^^  ,'"''"'  '^^^'^   etnbarked 

■Nothinnf  was  wantin<r  ].Mf  tu^  ,  °      ^'^  ""^pe  of  success, 

delay,  orders  w:;rsudtn  ^^^^en  rtr^S"";  "^^^^^ 
companied  with  a  declaration  h.M,"  ^^°'';  ^'^  ''^"^'  «°- 
given  over  for  that  season  ^h'-«  ^"""'^^  "''" 

go  into  winter  qua  ters  ol  n.V  ™1=""^'"''  ''^'^  "^^^e  to 
tion  burst  forth ;  the  Creator  "^^''^^^l  e^P'''^'°"  °^  i^^igna- 
their  a.ms,  and  returned  to  fh  "u  '  '""'^^^  ^'^''^^^  ''^«'« 
mained  continually  hratnedtt'llf^T^J^^  '^'''' ''^"^  ^«- 
recriminations  passed  befw.tnf  ^  °^  ^^'^  g^"«^«'-  Severe 
accused  him  of  covvardfce Tnd  nT  ^"^  ^'T^^  ^""''^'^  ^^o 
General  Smyth,  in  v^dSon  If  i  •  ""^'^r'""^"  deportment, 
hadpositive'insrucrnsnn  to  1^"'  conduct,  alleged  that  he 
threeShousand  merand"hat  th?^  "V"""^^^^  '«««  than 

ceed  fifteen  hund^d      Be    J  I  ^  ■'^"'         '''''''"''''^  ^''^  "°'  ''" 
was  produced  through  the  connlv  '^''y^S"'^\i'^^^tisCaction 
tion,  from  that  time,  declined  n  Si •'^  ^''  '?''^'*^^>'  ^^P"ta- 
out  the  whole  of  ihsltTiir        ^'  '™«''«"-     Through, 
effects  of  our  total  LnroV         ^'^  contmually  suffering  the 
seemed  to  baffle  our  caTcula[ionTn"n.T  'I^  '"'''     ^'^^y  "^ing 
particularly  in  our  movemln  «       ^^  to  disappoint  our  hopes, 
acts  of  gallantry  wrepeXmefS  ?"^^^', '^"'h-gh  mLy' 
It  is  now  time  to  turn  n„7^f    r       ^^  '"''Sulars  and  militia, 
collecting  on  the  borders  of  thel  7  '"  '^'  ^^4'^^^"  ^^my. 
done  in  this  quarter  until    n^l    ll  Lawrence.     But  little  was 
t. on  of  war,  L  a  smalf  num£r  n S'  ^"'"'""-    ^'  '^'  ^^^'^^a. 
point  along  this  frSer      '^',-f  J.'^'P^  ^^^'^  ^^^tioned  at  any 
considerabfe  length  of  thi'p  S  '\r"''*,-"''^''^"'y 'Require  a 
and  marched,  or  tt  rSa^t'o^^  '^'^T"  """"f^  "^  ^'"bodied 
on  foot,  could  be  SlS  fi-om  S  "''''^  '"''^'^'^  "'^  ^^'^^^y 
country  such  as  ou  f  It  ZT  °T/"  /'"'"^"^^  ^"^^^^o  of 
upper  provinces  of  c'naJa  wouldlu  fn  ''  "''"'^^^^  ''^'  '''' 
troops  of  the  Northwestern  Irmv^ndnrM  T^  '°"r"'*  ^°  °"^ 
which  might  then  move  down   Jnd,         f '^^^  ^'^^'^^  Centre, 

rence,  and,  long  before  the  wi'ntr  tl  '^''"'  °"  '^^  ^t.  Law- 
Montreal.  Buf  f ir'niil":  "i^'^'  ^'^f  ,^-a'-  ^vould  be  carried  to 
Hull  produced  a'^otal  ST^"'"'  ""l"^  ^«'"entable  surrender  of 
was  n'ot  until  late  IntaZt^V^'  '''?/""  "^  ^^'^'^^  I^ 
occurred  in  the  Northern  A "nTv'         '"^  '^'"^  ^"'^^^  °^"ofe 


ill 


i^l 


76 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


_»Nortliern  Army Incursion  of  Forty  the-of  Colonel  Pike. 


On  the  loth  of  September,  twenty-five  barges  of  the  British 
passed  up  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  were  attacked  by  a  party  of 
inihtia  from  Ogdensburg,  and  after  a  severe  contest,  the  enemy 
were  forced  to  abandon  their  boats,  and  fly  for  shelter  to  the 
woods ;  but  soon  after,  receiving  reinforcements,  they  compelled 
the  militia  to  retire.  Some  time  after  this,  captain  Forsythe  made 
an  mcursion  mto  the  enemy's  country,  with  a  party  of  his  rifle- 
men,  and  after  twice  defeating  a  body  of  regulan  of  superior 
numbers,  burnt  a  block-house,  containing  the  public  stores 
and  returned  with  the  loss  of  only  one  man.  In  revenue  for 
that  attack,  the  British,  on  the  2d  of  October,  detennined 
to  attempt  the  destruction  of  Ogdensburg.  A  heavv  fire  was 
opened  from  the  breast-works,  at  the  village  of  Prescott,  situa- 
ted  nearly  opposite.  On  the  4th,  they  attempted  to  cross 
the  bt.  Lawrence,  and  storm  the  town,  and  embarked  in  forty 
boats,  with  about  fifteen  men  in  each ;  but  they  were  warmly 
received  by  general  Brown,  of  the  New  York  militia,  who 
commanded  here  in  person.  A  sharp  action  continued  for 
nearly  two  hours,  when  they  were  compelled  to  abandon  their 
design,  leaving  one  of  the  boats  in  our  hands,  and  suffering  a 
considerable  loss. 

Colonel  Pike,  to  whose  zeal  and  indefatigable  exertions 
the  army  was  even  at  this  time  much  indebted,  on  the  19th 
passed  into  the  enemy's  territory,  surprised  a  block-house  de- 
fended  by  a  considerable  body  of  Englishand  Indians,  put  them 
to  flight,  and  destroyed  the  public  stores.  Skirmishes  like 
these  were  not  unfrequent  until  the  close  of  autumn,  and  even 
occurred  during  the  winter;  but  nothing  of  moment  transpired 
in  this  quarter,  until  the  beginning  of  the  year. 

A  new  scene  of  warfare  was  about  to  open  upon  those  vast 
mland  seas,  which  constitute  so  remarkable  a  featu.3  of  our 
continent.  For  the  first  time,  their  waves  were  to  be  lighted 
up  with  all  the  sublimity  of  naval  combat :  and  they  soon  bore 
witness  to  achievements  as  glorious  as  those  which  immortaliz- 
ed  our  heroes  on  the  ocean.  In  consequence  of  the  failure  of 
our  arms  at  Detroit,  it  became  necessary  to  form  a  navy  on  the 
kkes.  We  were  now  without  a  single  armed  vessel  on  Lake 
Ji.ne,  and  our  whole  force  on  Lake  Ontario  was  the  bri<T  Oneida, 
sixteen  guns,  commanded  by  lieutenant  Woolsey.  In°October' 
commodore  Chauncey,  with  a  body  of  seamen,  arrived  at  Sack' 
ett  s  Harbour,  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  this  design  into  effect ; 
lie  instantly  purchased  every  trader  capable  of  being  fitted  up 

— ""'J  "'1^  orucicu  iicuiLJiaijL  ciiiot,  as  we  imve 

seen,  to  organize  a  naval  force  on  Lake  Erie.     That  his  pre- 
parations  proceeded  with  rapidity,  cannot  be  doubted,  when  we 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


77 


War  on  the  Lakes , 


.  First  Cruiae  of  Commodore  Chauncey. 


find  that  on  the  6th  of  November  he  considered  himself  able  to 
contend  with  the  enemy's  whole  force.     Having  received  infor- 
mation  that  the  enemy's  fleet  had  sailed  down  the  lake,  forihe 
purpose  of  brmgmg  up  the  reinforcements  to  Fort  George,  he  de- 
termmed  to  intercept  him  at  the  False  Ducks,  on  his  way  up. 
Ihe  force  of  Commodore  Chauncey,  created  in  this  short  space 
of  tune,  was  composed  of  the  Oneida,  fourteen  guns,  in  which 
he  sailed ;  the  Governor  Tompkins,  lieutenant  Brown,  six  guns: 
In't  fZ  'Vf  "''"^"'  Mix,  of  five  guns  ;  the  Conquest,  lie'uten- 
Ju  ia  Trnn?    7  ^"".V"  ^^  P^^'*'/^""deI,  of  two  guns  ,•  and  the 
Julia,  Irant,of  one  thirty  pounder ;  making  in  all  thirty-two 
guns.     The   vessels  of  the  enemy,  which  were  supposed  to 
have  passed  up  the  lakes,  constituted  nearly  the  whole  force  of 
the  Bruish,  and  consisted  of  the  Royal  George,  twenty-six  guns  ; 
ship   Earl   Moira,  eighteen   guns;   schooner   Prince   Regent 
eighteen  guns ;  Duke  of  Gloucester,  fourteen  guns;  Taren"o 
fourteen  guns ;  Governor  Simcoe,  twelve  guns.  ' 

ln«f  «;  ^f  ^l\  the  squadron  fell  in  with  the  Royal  George,  but 
lav  of  Quit;''  ?"7."°  '^'  "ight,  having  chased  her  into'  the 
bay  of  Quanti.  In  the  morning  she  was  discovered  in  Kina. 
he"  tuT  th  •  V  :^;\?--«d-e  had  made  up  his  mind  to  boar°d 
tnn'JT  *hf  Y'^d  blojving  directly  in,  and  the  enemy  being 

IZZf  ^  r^u""^  ^^  ^^^  S""'  °^  '^^  b«"«"««'  he  changed  hi! 
intention.  The  next  morning  he  beat  up  in  good  order,  and 
commenced  an  attack  on  the  Royal  George,  under  a  heavy  fire 
bo  h  from  this  ship  and  from  the  batteries^  The  Conquest  Vhe 
Juha,  the  Pert,  and  the  Growler  pushed  forward  in  suJce  ion 
afterwards  the  brig  General  Hamilton,  and  the  Governor  Tomp! 

-upon  the  bW^  '"T  ^'^"'^t  !'''  °^  *^«  batteries  was  turne'd 
-upon  the  brig,  and  continued  hot  on  both  sides  for  an  hour 

Tav  "  ^^^,^y^' ^^^rge  cut  her  cables,  and  ran  higher  up  the 

bay.     The  squadron  now  being  exposed  to  the  cross  fire  of  the 

batteries    and  not   deeming  it  prudent   to  pursue  the    Royal 

George,  hauled  off  to  the  wind,  and  made  sail  out  of  the  Z 

This  was  certainly  a  most  daring  exploit,  and,  to  say  the  leas 

of  It,  merited  success.     The  Royal  George  suffered  severeTv 

m  her  hull ;  the  shot  from  the  gun-vessels  .truck  her  frequenUv 

Se      tL^'"  "^  Comn^odore  Chauncey  was  very  incSZ' 

able.     The  commander  ofthe  Pert,  Arundel,  was  wounded  by 

the  bursting  of  a  gun,  but   refusing   to  qiit   the  deck    was 

knocked  overboard  and  drowned.     The  cLmmodore  cap'ti 

L!?r^l?«^^h^  h^^"/-'  -"d  sent-the  Growler  as  herSvov 

r;.-.  axe  cmrancc,  lor   the   purpose  of  decoying   the    Rova'l 

George  but  without  success.     She  then  sailed  with  her  prSe 

.or  Sacket's  Hnr..->ur.     On  her  way  she  discovered  the  PrinS 


78 


BRACKEN  RIDGE'S 


Wj^lg^  the  L,K..t First  Crt.iw  of  Comnicloro  Chauncey. 

Regent  anrl  Earl  Moira,  convoying  a  sloop  to  Kingsto^iT^hrhii'. 
mediately  conmaled  l,Pr.clf  behind  a  point,  and  when  the  armed 
vessels  ha    ^.o-.  d, ; !     .  ,n  out  and  captured  the  schooner  and 

?3  , '-^  "''VT.r''"  ""'•'^°"'-'  'i''«P^i^«  had  on  board 
twelvr   ti>ou.sand  dollars  m  specie,  and  the  baggage  of  gen- 

cl  f"'  r:!^  ^"P^"'"  ^''"^'  ^''e  brother  oTthat  offitr. 
Uonv.iodore  Chauncey,  soon  after  arriving,  received  the  intelli. 
gence  respecting  the  Earl  Moira,  and  immediately  set  off' in 
he  midst  of  a  severe  storm,  to  interceot  her  at  the  False  Ducks  • 
but  returned  to  the  Harbour  with.,:^  ..ing  able  to  fall  in  with 

He  now  occupied  himself  .hiefly  in  superintending  the  new 
ship  Madison,  which  was  launched  on  thi  26th  of  November. 
1  lie  winter  set  in  soon  after,  and  put  an  end  to  any  further 
naval  mcidents  for  the  season.  ^ 


CHAPTER  VI. 


ovcraUriti.I.  Pr,„„,„/.      1       ;    .  "°  Scnimoles-Tliird  Naval  Victory 

over  a  ar.t.sl.  Frigate  (the  Java)-U,saBtcr8  of  our  Arms  to  the  Wc«t. 

.J"^J^''''S^'^?^''^]!'^^'^''ied  States  again  assembled  on  ',e 
4th  of  November,  after  ..  recess  unusually  short,  on  account 
of  the  new  and  interesting  state  of  ou-  affairs.  Party  spirit 
unfortunately  raged  amongst  s,  in  a  verv  high  degree,  and  it 
was  not  c  .<:ult  to  bretell  at  no  smnil  portion'wouid  find 
ts  way  into  rxe  national  councils.  Recriminations  of  French 
influence,  and  improper  submission  to  the  outrages  of  Great 
Britain,  very  much  embittered  this  animositv.  The  exist-nce 
ot  party  spir  i6  v.ecessary  anr  Jiealthful  to  our  political  sys- 
tern ;  it  is  like  li.e  current  of  the  stream,  which  preserves  it  pare 
and  untainted.  In  despotisms  tho  is  no  party  spirit;  there 
all  IS  conducted  m  the  darkness    :,d  secrecy  of  intJigu.'     But 

party  has  its  evils.     In  , e,  it  renovates  the  flaggin|  enc-giea 

of  the  nation,  and  keeps        Linn^s  pure  and  sound ;  on  the  con- 
irarv.  in  n  nprindof"'T        • --    — -^  i        •       — 

fK«  "rv'o  ♦    -r— i  •"  ••«. ;      ^  «•      .usity  may  clog  me  eiiuiis  oi 
the  party  m  power,  and    -ay  be  a  useful  ally  U)  the  enemy. 


HISTORY  OP  THE  WAR. 


.v^n 


79 


■  Proposal  of  an  Armigtieo. 


TT    ™ — — villi"''"""  "'  »"  Armigtiec. 

«ue  for  peace,  without  pc  haps '  suffir  on/l  T  ■"'"P^'  *'  ^^ 
enemy  might  not  be  disposed  ^o  ar^TT^  reflectrng,  that  the 
such  as  would  be  disgraceful  to  th.n  '  "P^l  '''^^'  '^''"^  "">» 
a  true  lover  of  his  coK'^1  ilSho  '^  ""'  ^'^"'"'"S 
which  the  nation,  as  respects  otheisitii  ^^Ti''"'''"^'  ""'^^ 
graced,  in  order  that  the Towlr  '  u ''"'''^^'^' ^''^"''^  be  dis- 
hands.  This  would  not  havr^jr?;,^'  transferred  to  better 
Washington.  But  on  tlL  suL^h  il  diSr  ?'  *^  P^^"°' 
ble.  to  draw  the  exact  line  between  a  mf^'  !f  r^™P°«'^'- 
position  to  what  we  conceivpfn  T  "'^  ''"'^  laudable  op 

intemperance  as  ZlyenTaZrih  T'""^'  ""^  ^"^'^  ^^^tious 
country.  In  the  Sern  sS  ?k  '^"''^'^•'"  ""'^  ^^^'X  ^f  the 
the  most  violent.  ''  '^^  ^PPos'^ion  to  the  vvar  was 

with  prudence.  AboutThe  t^^"' ??i^  'J  "^  '''^"^  consistently 
this  country,  the  p'tceXS  had  ^^^^^^^  ^^ 

council,oneoftheprindDalrm,lo    r/^'''^'^  ^'^  '''"'^'•s  '" 

was  by  no  n,ean7dE3t  ar"3«"?,Xr  '  T  ^^^' "^'^^ 
and  to  MS,  but  by  the  urSnov  i  fif  '"''^''^f  '^"e  to  justice 
Oreat  lintain.     iCing  SalL  fhl'  f''^'"'"!  ^"'^"-^^^^  ^^ 
entitled  to  the  s.me  iefaTas  i^h      k''!  T"''^'""^^  ^''"^'-•'^ 
pealed  on  our  account  ^nrl  T        fl  ^^^  ^'"  expressly  re- 
part,  should  Lse      itSfs  tir^^^-.'^f  hostilities,  on  our 
I'ow  at  war,  the  United  Stap^t  ^r''^"'*'  '"P"''^'^'  ^^at  being 
ti'      unless  provis^Sf  we^rf  mirf  ""'  P"'  "?  ^"^  '«  ^ostili? 
litle^ence.,  Ld  a  cesSn  nf  .h      ""  ^'^""'"^^  settlement  of 
pending      .  negotiation      Tn  1  ^^  '^'^"^'"^  ^^  impressment, 
passed'        IdTnS  em'plovmlnt  *?«  vT'  "  ^"^  ^^°"'d  be 
eels,  of  wJuusocv!.  kind  '^rS  °h     '^''^  ''""^^"  ^"  ^^'^  ^««- 
the  session.  ^  '^"^  '"^  "^'^  ^^^^^  was  passed  during 

fort"ar'„;;f,t;tdTerm:dX       ^  p'°p-^- 

but  was  rejected  as  a  SteS  -ou^rl  ^°rr  ^^  Canada, 
ister  in  London  \vas  auThoWsod  ■     Z       *  ^^^  American  rn!  ■ 

tiiities,  even  on  the  unofficiaU  Ju^afcTtirth ""'?"  °^^"^- 
pressment  would  be  disconfinl;i  i  •  .  *^^  practice  of  im- 
was  rejected.  1  propSn  v^  ^  T""^  ''f  "™'^''^«-  This 
Warrei  ;  which  rSred  '^s  a  "  f''""^"^'  "^^de  by  admiral 
that  our  armies    Sid  ht      P'^'''"'"f  y  to  every  other  step, 

orders  to  ourcTuiserTlS-T'^-'^^-^^l^  ^^''^^^  -^  ^^'e 
sequence  ol  our  bpina  th^  n^  '     ^"'^  "u  ai.e^eci,  was  in  con- 

came  us  to  take  the  ffrstste?^r7'''  "".^  '^^'  ^  ^^^^^  '^  »>«- 
fne  iirst  step,  and  unconditional!-  throw  down 


11 


S 

i' 


% 


r  i: 


ao 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Revcraef  of  Napoleon. 


our  arms.     Here  it  might  have  been  asked,  whether  this  country 
had  ever  experienced  so  much  good  faith  mid  lbrl>carance  from 
tireat  Britain,  as  to  justify  such  confidence?     But  was  she 
not  the  aggressor,  by  her  own  acknowledgement  ?  for,  by  the 
repeal  of  the  orders  in  council,  if  on  our  account,  she  acknow- 
ledged hersfir  to  have  violated  our  neutral  rights.     Moreover 
It  was  well   .nown  that  she  had,  at  that  moment,  more  than 
two  thousand  impressed  American  seamen,  confined  as  prisoners 
01  war,  and  persisted  in   refusing  every  arrangement  which 
miglit  remedy  in  future  the  odious  practice.     So  strangely  in- 
consistent  are   the   pretexts  of  injustice.     These   attempts  at 
reconciliation  had  failed,  when  the  emperor  of  Russia  infer- 
posed  his  mediation ;  which,  on  the  part  of  our  government 
was  instantly  accepted  ;  but,  on  being  made  known  to  Englanfl! 
was  declined,  as  being  incompatible  with  her  naval  interests, 
fche  professed  a  willingness,  however,  to  enter  into  a  direct 
negotiation;  uhich,  it  will  be  seen,  was  merely  thrown  out  as 
a  pretext,  to  prolong  the  war  at  her  pleasure. 

A  most  important  change  had  taken  place  in  the  affairs  of 
il-urope.     Napoleon  had  experienced  a  reverse,  proportioned  to 
the  vastness  of  his  designs.     This  man,  intoxicated  with  his  for- 
mer success,  and  with  the  vile  flattery  which  is  always  paid  to  the 
despot  who  is  the  fountain  of  honour,  and  official  emolument  and 
power,  had  begun  to  think  himself  more  than  mortal.     It  is 
thought  that  he  had  conceived  the  idea  of  universal  empire :  natu- 
rally  enough  the  ultimate  object  of  a  conqueror— for  what  con- 
queror  ever  set  bounds  to  his  ambition  ?     The  vanity  of  the 
scheme,  if  any  such  ever  entered  his  head,  of  bringing  all  Europe 
to  his  feet,  of  mastering  the  fleet  of  England,  and  then  extending 
his  power  over  the  globe,  was  now  fully  demonstrated.    The  iov 
which  many  of  our  fellow  citizens  expressed  on  this  occasion, 
was  perhaps  ill  judged.    The  fall  of  a  despot  and  a  tyrant,  is  cer- 
tainly an  agreeable  theme  to  a  republican;  but  the  immediate 
connexion  of  this  event  with  our  welfare,  was  not  easily  traced. 
It  was  very  evident  that  the  enmity  of  both  France  and  England 
towards  this  country,  proceeded  from  the  same  cause;  and. 
considering  human  nature,  a  very  natural  cause ;  to  wit,  the 
circumstance  of  our  prospering  and  growing  rich  from  their 
dissensions.      We   had   but   little  to  fear  that  we  should  be 
molested  by  any  European  power,  attempting  to  conquer  our 
vast  country ;  and  as  to  universal  dominion,  England,  in  her 
claim  to  the  sovereignty  of  the  seas,  already  possessed  it,  as 
far  as  the  thing,  in  its  nature,  was  capable  of  being  possessed. 
As  to  r/urone.  the  mnH  ntfomnf  ^fTVT..„«i„_^  u.j  i      "^  <« .. 
.  '. -...J..  ...  i,.,j,._„r:Oii  nau  ucGii  lohow^ea 

by  an  overthrow  so  complete,  that  so  far  from  being  dangerous 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


to  if  ^     ir~ ' — ~- wockade  of  our  Coaiti 

!>'•«  own  ground,  and  w£l"i'  r''^^^^^^^^       ^"'^'^  'o  --main 

cond.rnte  power,  Europe  woul,    nJ^tT^  """^  '"'''^"^^'i  '«  «  sc- 

miduble  enemy  in  Russia      ^  n  °'  t"^''  ^^  '^''  «  '""re  for- 

its.present  suverd^n    vo'lj  K'l?"  ''"'/'''  P"^'^'^'  '^'"P^^  of 

neighbouring  nations      Tho  n     S"^'^"'^"  '"  t^o  safety  of  tbo 

of  the  povver^f  N^^^ieon^l^^y^r^^",--  1  ''«  rapid'declino 

land,  in  the  disposal  of  herTrrtl      ^    ^  fi»vourable  to  Eng. 

0  ated  by  her  success  n.afnstFran.T;"''  ''"'  "^'^^^''y  '  «»d 

«'-ou.d  feel  much  di^pSo!;  t^ea;  S  rorr^^^^^^ 

to  ti.^  S,  itrr  X";"'';!  °f  t^---  -^^  '^  -w 

providing  an  additional  fo?SeTnliLf."'!f  "''''"•  '"^  'ho 
slow,  and  sufficient  encrrLrTn    S"'' ^.^  l'^^"  «^tremely 

recruits.  It  was  propSTTri-  •  ""^  ^^^"  ^'^  out  for 
United  States,  twenty  Eind.'^'"'°  '^'^  ^^'^'^o  of  the 
clothed  and  paid  in  JL'^  volunteers,  for  a  year  to  h« 

inefficacy  of  Ee  ii^T^'"'""'^'"."^  ^^S"'"  tries'    tS 

control,  Ld  ^n\S^Zl^1SuZ^f^'''\r'  ""'^^  - 
the  revolutionary  war.     B  f  S  """°  ^''^  P^o^ent  and 

iho  evil ,.  for  reg^ular  soldier  couldnot  L"  '"°S  °^  '^"^^^'"8 
sufficient  numbers.  °°^  '^  ™'s«d,  or  at  least,  in 

preTaldTh^S^;:^,-ru'na^^^^^^^  ?"  '^'^  ^^i-t  there 
't  should  be  fosterS  as  trS^aAdt?'r% 
country.  Such  as  had  once  Ken  ^n"  •  f  '^''«"'«  «^  o"' 
warmest  friends.  The  naSal  l.-??'''''  *°  '*'  '^^'"e  i'« 
great  assiduity,  in  devisi"g  Ti  SasS  e^n"'^"  ^""''^^^  ^'^^ 
for  a  vigorous  prosecution  nf  Vho  ^  ?^  "'^'"^  necessary, 

remedy  t\  evils'^alrl'd^^^trieteT^'  '"'  «^  "^"^^  ^^^^ 
had  noV;et:rptiWd''^  ""^^^"^^  ^'^^-'-^d  by  the  enemy 
of  DeceLVr  SThlToStTi'^'T^^^^  '"  "-  ^«'h 
bock^ie.  but  with  no  force  iSr^T!^  'V  «^«^«  ^^ 
blockade  had  no  pretence  of  r^Llf  r  Y,  ^PP''^'  ^his  paper 
the  coast  of  Fran^ce  and  the  Sd'S;  f"ll'?  ^^^'^"'^  ^^"^ 
low  an  example  so  'contra  J  to  he  ^  o?  1'."°'  '^^'^T^  ''^^ 
declare  the  coast  of  England  in  a  Ji  f  "at'ons,  and  in  turn 
that  pretence  interrupt  the  commerlfr     '''°"^^*^"'  «"d  ""^er 

was  so  mS  Snt^ll^r  S^b^^^^V^^^"^ 
passing  on  the  contine^nt,  tha^trilraS^rS^^^^^^^^^^^^ 


■n 


82 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


War  with  the  Southern  Indians. 


this  season  unmolested  ;  at  least  our  homes  and  our  firesides 
were  not  disturbed.  nresmes 

A  war,  however,  threatened  us  in  another  quarter,  to  which 

cTuaT  o7'"'  '''^\r--^^\^-.iety.     The  souther'n  Indians. 

d^irini^ttn  r'  '"   t"  T^"'  °^  ^^"'■^^'•^'  '-^"d  perhaps  more 
danng  than  tho  northern,  began  to  exhibit  signs  of  hostility. 

vhhin7hi't  ^'>  -Tr'^-^'  r^-^  ^"  ^^'"P''^'"  The  Cree£ 
within  the  territorial  limits  of  the  United  States,  had  been  uni- 
formly protected  by  t:,e  Americans  ;  intruders  upon  theirlnds 
we  e  turned  ofT  at  the  point  of  che  bayonet;  immense  sums 
we.e  expended  m  teachmg  them  the  arts  of  civiUzcd  ''Co  ■ 
persons  were  employed  to  reside  among  them,  for  "that  pur^ 
pose,  and  implenients  of  agriculture  were  furnished  at  the 
public  expense.     This  humane  system,  commenced  by  Wash- 

STh/Trf'''^^  P""'."^'^  ^y  «»bsequent   adminisLtions ; 
and  the   elfects  were  visible,  in  the   course  of  a  Cc^v  years 
The,r  country  and  climate,  probably  the  best  in  the  United 

h  no7nVr''T7'f  °^  "^"'^'"S  ""'"'y  ^'""S  essential  to  their 
happiness.  The  domestic  arts  had  taken  root  amongst  them  ; 
that  strong  stimulant  to  industry,  separate  property  in  the  soil' 

herds,  and  all  the  domestic  animals;  their  situation  was,  in 

Luropc.  They  had  thrown  off  their  clothing  of  skin^,  and 
wore  cottons  of  their  own  manufacture;  and  Their  population 
was  rapidly  increasmg.  They  had  always  lived  on  tirn's  of 
friendship  with  the  United  States;  their  lands  had  never  been 
encroached  upon  ;  and  they  had  become  consideiably  intermin- 
gled,  by  marriages,  with  the  whites.     According  to  one  of  their 

reside  in  their  territory,  unless  married  to  a  native. 
.Phir  ?^"^^^^"J  «°^ieties  of  the  United  States,  had  opened 
to  tht  stato^or  ^'  country,  for  the  purpose  of  giving  theLish 
to  this  state  of  manners;  for  in  every  other  respect  they 
had  entirely  thrown  off  their  savage  haoits.  Nearly^the  same 
Th  1  ™P™vement  existed  amongst  the  other  triObs,  the 
Choc  taws.  Chickasaws,  and  Cherokees.  The  same  regular 
industry  was  visible  in  the  villages  of  these  people!  in  ?hei 

tioSnTPf'^f '  '"i^^'^  ^"'^•^'^^'«"  «^tJ^«  soil.in'their  atten' 
i„  ^h^lands,  and  even  in  the  construction  of  their  dwell- 
ings,  which,  in  many  cases,  were  built  by  white  carpenters 
employed  for  the  purpose,  and  were  little  inferior  to  tCe  of 
the^generahty  of  white  settlers. 

.hlVfu'''^  these  people  into  a  war,  would  be  an  act  of  cru- 
elty  to  them ;  and  hostilities  on  their  part  would  b«  the  extreme 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


63 


Tecumseh'B  visit  to  the  Creeks. 


J. em,  ,hor,  wa,  a  large  proportion 7,h  TdeaL  te' 3' 
ra^urable  ,o  .hoi;  t,e  '1^1  L:rp?o^rs^\ra  "^ 

r'r:l:;;rs  *'rS  r -if  J-?  ? 

t.i«  disfoaition  brohout  ta^^nl:  ei/e  'T„"a«'  °'f  S""' 
vagabond  Muscr-, ..,  fcll  upon  ,Z.  n™r       i.    '^"J'  "^  "lese 

tag  .he  MSS.J  :,  anVSeSXJ^;r  brr„.tTfl^^ 

.he'^rpl  rioter  STn'l^pS  ;^7t""\^^°  — 
soon  after,  was  the  ro„«g^o„™  i  P"'J°u'''!;"'-     ^  °'"'  '""•• 

was  great  and  noble  in  the  opinion  of  Indian,      n^vi^! 
fn.l.ppics  of  the  Grecian  orator;  and  ho  unquestionably  made 


4 


I 


Hi 


84 


l!  "^" 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


War  with  the  Seminoles. 


^"unS's,:,!'  "  t";  ""^  '="«"«'"S  S'Jrke'tr  upon 
join  tS     The  ,ow„  nr  V°  '"''=?''  "P™  ">=  ""x"-  Creek?  to 

viU  7 T  J^    ''^'^  P'^'^"^*"  ^^'■e  distributed,  and  where  the 

the  fir^t  jLrof  thetr"""  "'  *'^  '"''''''''  ^"^^^"^'  '^"-g 

ticSarlv^  w^'^'^r'  ?^^'^^^««^^^«  ^^^  Cherokees,  the  latter  par- 
S  in  r±"^r  ''^''  '^"^°^^^  ^--^"^  British  influence,  and 
mnnUfK^  °'^''  P^"^^''  '^'''"^  '^'^P^^^d  to  be  friendly  but 
^ff  a^nd  il'^".  '""'^'''  ^'""S  men,  in  'spire  of  the  nation,  str'ayed 
t  Tart  T:L"of  tTrT'.-   ^''^'l!''  ^•'^  "°'  comr^ence^on 

the  worst  .  nllorl  ol  I    ■  government,  however,  fearing 

InKoM  !i  "^^^"^i^P  *^«  governors  of  Georgia  and  Tennessee 
to  hold  their  mihtia  in  readiness;  and  general  Ja'^kson  «Mh!: 

ttl;h'o:ra;tn7cir '  ^-^y '" "-  ^^^n^t-^:^^^^^^^^^^ 

five  huXd  m^L     K  .  'T^'y  *°  ^^^^J^^^'  ^  distance  of 

quLt-  E  iti  '  ft  ''^'''  'hing  appearing  peaceful  in  this 
Enf  J^'.'^^f*'^  '^.^er  returned.  This  expedition  had  the 
effect  of  fixing  the  tribes  through  which  it  passed    and  nf  «. 

SptS  trt'^oTt,  T  ''\^  ''^^  within'X'hinl' :f  uS 
^paiiish  part  of  Florida,  on  the  contrary,  declared  themselvp^ 

of  Ge"^!'  ''""''^'^^  ^'^^  «-'P-S  '^-'^  '^gai-t  the  Se" 

The  Seminoles,  very  soon  after  the  declaration  of  war  beaan 

ZT^:^A.^^?:^J?Pr'''  ''"'''^"^^'  '■"  -h'^>'  captains  Wil. 
ieavi"na'H,n  "!', "" '''''  •  ^*^^'^''f '>  mounded,  liie  party  retreated, 
leaving  the  sa^ages  in  possession  of  their  wagons  and  teams. 


Were 


HISTORY  OP  THE  WAR. 


-en.  ruarched  to  the  attack  oHjll' /r,'"'^    '"'   -^-*-" 
withn  a  few  miles  of  the  first  of  t  ^^f^^^^^  ^^ns.     When 
hundred  and  fifty  Indinno         i  ^^^^'  ^^  ^^t  a  party  of  ons 
counted  and  prep'ar'edtrbaUle'To^'^,' J^^  i-tanV/dTs! 
charge,  and  the  Indians  were  drivn^    T'  ^'"'"'^"  """^^'-^d  a 
which  abound  in  this  paTtor  tl  .  .o  T  """^^  °^'  ^^«  ^^a'nps 
fire  of  the  musketry  did  cl^^w  -T^^^''^"     As  they  fled,  the 
others  of  the  slainf  theyTft  ISr  t--^"''""'""'  «"'^.  a^^o'ngst 
whites.     The   Indi;ns   Lcoverin J  fy°  '"  ?^  ''^"'^^  °^  ^lie 
deserves  to  be   admired,  made  s^t.    ''.""^'^  '  'P''''  ^^^^^ch 
order  to  recover  the  body^f  thelJ^h    r'''T'^^«  ''^'^'Ses,  in 
driven  back.     But  in  another   ',.      !'^'  ",?^  ^^«^«  ^^^h  t  me 
furious,  they  succeeded  LcarySff  n'^'^T  ^'<^«Perately 
fhe^  retired  from  the  field,  SalyL        «"^  ^°'^^'  ^^en 
This,  however,  did  not  free  tho  rl    •     ''°!?'^'^'  °^'^^o  hours, 
sant  situation.     Before  niVh    ? h^  r  1'^"'  ^'"'^"^  ^^^^'  "nplea- 

^derable  reinforcements  oS^ro,:.t;r'o  '^'r"^'^  ^^'^^  ^^on. 
han  the  first,  they  again  i^T  'Ph  ^^^' ^  ^^'^  ^ore  severe 
Jeir  situation  becoming  every  mnJ?  ^"'""^eers  now  found 
her  of  their  wounded,"  would  neTh'  ^"'^''^  «"''«al ;  the  num- 
nor  to  advance,  and  the  enemy  w^s^hifr^-  '^'"^  *«  ^^^^eat 
f'des.  A  messenger  was  dosTL^H  r  ''^-  '"^''^asing  on  all 
n  the  meanwhile,  they  threrun  a  J°n  ?"^"'"^"'"«"'« '  «"d 
they  remained  until  the  4?h  of  Octobr  ^J'^']:'''^'^'  Here 
tS^l'Vt  ---'-  repdle^/lt^rrTii-'^^-ce 


-n  ...  ,„c  uieantime  renp  IpH  n,,v, »        "=""■ 

Indians,  who  continued  to  harass  tf  '^j'^''  ^^^^"'^«  f™"^  t.^ie 
Indians,  observing  ,hat  a  nerfl^?  /""  "^^^  ^"^  "'ght  The 
breast-works,    sufpected    tha  Xv  1,"^' /^■■''^''^"'  ^^''^'^  the 

n^ht;  and  approached  unde"\h<^a^^^^^^^^^  ^^^"^^^  '"  the 

or  forty  paces,  when  the  (Lnii!,        ^",?' ""^'' ^'thin  thi'-fy 

selves  above  tho  breast-work  ST  '"''•^™'^'  ^^^^^'^'^  them! 

yelling  to  the  swamns      ThI       .     ^'"''  P'^«"«'  and  sent  them 

reached  unmolest^t'l ;  viUa'    ot^p'^^T  ^'''*"  decamped,  and 

«f  out.     Intelligence  of    hTr^  '''°'''\'°'  ^^«"*-«  the;  had 

about  the  comn^ncem^nt  oHhe  I'ss-r ''f  '''  S°^-« 

w^as  found  necessary  to  make  s  JtaW  "^  congress,  and  it 

>war  in  this  quarter.     IV  deionc.     r^I^P"'*''^^"^  *«  "^e^t  a 

was  assigned  to  general  l^nctn^  rt  "^''^  important  frontier 

^an  of  great  disth^ct^^n  an'^ab  ik'  whn"'^  """'"'''^^  «  g-tl:!: 

'' n.t^i!^^^':^'?^  °^  the  United  si;,:'"  ""^  "f'^^'"'^^  «  '^"g'^- 
/"    !•     ■^  -•-"    ''^Q    ilol    been    fnnr»  ;« 

feelings  ,vere  once  more  exciS,vn ''''''?' u''^^"  the  public 


II 


,  < 


86 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Third  Naval  Victory  over  a  British  Frigate  (the  Java.) 


than  that  of  tlie  United  States,  and  the  first  of  the  Constitution 
the  flag  of  another  British  frigate  was  transmitted  to  our  capitol, 
and  was  placed  amongst  the  other  trophies  of  our  naval  prowess. 
In  October,  the  Constitution,  commodore  Bainbridge,  and  the 
Hornet,  captain  Lawrence,  sailed  from  New  York,  and  were 
to  cflcct  a  junction  with  the  Essex,  captain  Porter,  which  sailed 
about  the  same  time  from  the  Delaware ;  the  object  of  which 
was  to  cruise  in  the  South  Seas,  and  destroy  the  British  fish- 
eries and  commerce  in  that  quarter.    The  junction  not  happen- 
ing  at  the  time  and  place  appointed,  commodore  Porter  passed 
round  Cape  Horn  alone.     In  the  meanwhile,  on  the  29th  of 
December,  a  few  leagues  west  of  St.  Salvador,  the  Constitution, 
which  had  a  few  days  before  parted  company  v/ith  the  Hornet, 
descried    a   British   frigate.     Commodore   Bainbridge  tacked, 
and  stood  for  her.     At  two  P.  M.  the  enemy  was  within  half 
a  mile  of  thf'  Constitution,  and  to  windward,  having  hauled 
down  his  colours  except  the  union   jack,  which  was   at  the 
mizen-mast  head.     A  gun  was  then  fired  ahead  to  make  him 
show  his  colours,  which  was  returned  by  a  broadside.     The 
enemy's  colours  being  now  hoisted,  the  action  commenced  with 
round  and  grape ;  but  he  kept  at  so  great  a  distance  that  this 
had  little  ctiect ;  and  in  this  position,  if  he  were  brouj^ht  nearer, 
the  Constitution  would  be  exposed  to  raking.   At  thirty  minutes 
past  two,  l)oth  ships  were  within  good  canister  distance,  when 
the  Constitution's    wheel  was    shot  away.     At  forty  minutes 
past  tvyo,  the  fore  and  main  sail  were  set;  and  commodore 
Bainbridge,  being  now  determined  to  close  with  her,  luffed  up 
for  that  purpose :  in  ten  minutes  afterward  the  enemy's  jib-boom 
got  foul  of  tlie  Constitution's  mizen-rigging,  and  in  another  ten 
minutes  his  bowsprit  and  jib-boom  were  shot  away.     At  five 
minutes  past  three,  his  maintopmast  was  shot  away  just  above 
the  cap.    This  was  followed  by  the  loss  of  his  gaff  and  spanker- 
boom,  and  soon  after  his  mainmast  went  nearly  by  the  board. 
At  fifteen  minutes  past  three,  the  enemy  was  completely  si- 
Iciiced,  and  his  colours  at  the  mainmast  being  down,  it  was 
thought  he  had  surrendered  :  under  this  idea  the  Constitution 
shot  ahead  to  repair  damages ;   after  which,  discovering  the 
enemy's   flag   still  flying,  she  wore,  stood  for  him  in  hand- 
some style,  and  got  close  athwart  his  bows  in   an  cffeciuaJ 
position    for  raking,  when  his  mainmast  wont  entirely  by  the 
l)oard,  and  he  lay  an  unmanageable  wreck.    He  now  struck  his 
colours ;  and  being  taken  possession  of  by  lieutenant  Parker,  was 
found  to  be  the  British  frigate  Java,  of  thirty-eight  guns,  but 
carrying    lorty-nine,  commanded   by   a  disiinguished  otiicer, 
captain   Lambert,  who  was  mortaliy  wounded.     She  had  on 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


87 


TheConstituL'hTdiU  Jnlnl'"'  ^ ''''^  '''''''  ^'^^^^ 
ed;  the  Java,  sixty  kil  od  a^S"  no  h  '  ?"'^,  ^^^^^y-Ave  wound- 

ed.  She  had  on  boarrdCtcTcs  for  sTh  f  '"'?  ^  "°""d- 
Good  Hope,  and  the  diSn  tesHhn  h  '"^'- ''^^  ^>«  °f 
Indies  and  China,  with  Zvuer  CnT  ^^"i'   '"    *^'«   East 

Bombay.     T),ere  were  airon  hn    ^  ^^^^^^y-^o^^,  building,  at 

among   whom    were  lieu  enam-tnot'lT"'^'^ 
Bombay;  major  Walker-  and  on?  ?«-     ''"P'   go^ornor   of 
shall,  master 'and  commander  of  th.nT"J°'''  ^^P'«'"  ^^r- 
oWs  appointed  to  shipst'tk^y^^^^^  and  several 

-sr^::SiS&o£^f?-^^^ 

vourably  known  to  the  reader  I..  '"""^  ^'""^^^^  '°  ^^^ 
which  he  soon  after  did  hL  '^7'^^  ''''''  ^°""d'  o^" 
pistols  at  the  enemy  from  fh.  n,  .V,  ^^"^  ^-^^  ^^  A''"'^  his 
received  a  ball  in^s  sl.ou Idlrllad ''^T\^T'"°'^''^'  ^J'^"  he 
deck.  Midshipman  dZv  wto  h  J  J''^  l^T  ^''^  °»  ^^e 
both  actions  of  this  shi-^   7^  ^    """^  ^""S^'  '^y  his  side  in 

carry  him  belo J  it  I's'  h  touh/?ot"'"  °'  ''^  '^'^-^  " 
the  issue  of  the  battle  ntth  •"'^'  consent,  initil  he  saw 

should  ,uit  his  posfo'n  his  a:crm  'u  'f'''%  ''''  ^^  "- 
Dulany,  of  Penisylvania  and  S;  i;'^'"/^"«»i,P«rker,  James 
">-'ch  distinguished  ;  fh^X  tvTn^''^'"'.°^  ^^'^^inia,  were 
a  sword  by  his  native  stale  nS,        ^^^"^ards  presented  with 
Many  extr'aordinary  inSc'f  orhrr^""*'^  ^°  '  lieutenancy, 
ihe  seamen,  one  o^^ horn  after  hP^'^  """Tf  "^^n'^^sted  by 
upon  deck  during  a  greaTUr^of  Z°  ?"''"">'  ^«"»<^^d'  ^^7 
'ng;    but   no   sooner^  was  ^rLrnif?^'fr"^"*^y«^P'r- 
struck,  than  he  raised  Ss^  f  up^ave  th^"'  ?'  ^'^^'"^  ^^^^ 
and  expired.  "P'  g'^^e  ^^ree  cheers,  fell  back 

sufh"  j's'taVe  :l  ts;  •:  r  "*??"'  «"^'"g  ^'^^  p-«  ^ 

leaving  every  fhimr  on  'V^P"'"'''*'  *°  ^ring  her  in,  and 
blew  her  up  ^  oi  irivinT/^f «  ^'  '^f  P^'««"^^^'  baggage, 
ceived  the^b-ic  ack3  ^''  '^f'"^^*^'"'  ^^^^  commod^fe  fe 
presented  him  wUh  «„  e'c^.g'"?"'',"'  ^^'^'^^"^  '*'-^'"P'  ^^o 
polite  treatment  w  icThe  hS  i;  "^  J"  c_onsideration  <,f  the 
passengers  without  con.fIl!^T!'i•    «^  ^!«-'--^  the  privet. 

th.  vessel  to  blockade  ^iX:::^;t^i^';^  ^ 


L 


r 
Iff 


^^4 


i\m\ 


88 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Disastera  of  our  Arnu  to  the  West Harrison  returns  to  Ohio. 


Bailed  for  the  United  States,  changing  the  original  destination 
for  the  South  Seas. 

On  the  arrival  of  commodore  Bainbridge  in  the  United 
States,  he  was  universally  hailed  by  the  applauses  of  his  coun- 
trymen :  he  received  the  freedom  of  the  city  of  New  York  in 
a  gol(^  box  ;  a  piece  of  plate  from  the  citizens  of  Philadelphia, 
and  the  thanks  of  many  of  the  state  legislatures.  Congress  also 
presented  him  a  medc!,  and  voted  filly  thousand  dollars  to  him- 
self, officers,  and  crew. 

In  the  midst  of*  these  affairs,  news  of  fresh  t'isasters  to  the 
westward,  and  accompanied  by  circumstances  such  as  rarely 
occur  in  the  annals  of  history,  tended  much  to  temper  the 
public  joy  for  the  second  victory  of  the  Constitution. 


CHAPTER  VII. 


Harrison  returns  to  Ohio-General  Wir  dter  sends  a  detachment  to  the  relief*; 
Ffenchtown -Defeat  of  the  British  and  indians- Winchester  arrives  with  Reinforc* 
menta— Defeat  and  Surrender  of  the  Americans  at  the  River  Raisin— Cruelty  of  th 
British  and  Indians  at  tlie  River  Raisin-Humanity  of  the  People  of  Detroit-Marcl 
of  General  Hnrrison-Siege  of  Fort  Meigs-Dcfeat  of  Colonel  Dudley-Sortie  unde 
Colonel  Miller— Siege  of  Fort  Meigs  raised— Exploit  of  Major  Ball. 

We  have  seen  with  what  indefatigable  industry  general  Har- 
lison  was  engaged  in  placing  the  western  frontier  in  a  posture 
of  defence,  and  in  attempting  to  regain  what  we  had  lost.  The 
Indian  tribes  had  been  made  to  feel  the  war  in  their  own  country, 
and  were  driven  to  .such  a  distance  by  the  destruction  of  theiv 
villages,  as  to  prcent  tiiem  from  annoying  our  settlements , 
they  were  compelled  to  temove  their  wives  and  children  to  the 
distant  British  establishments,  in  order  to  obtain  the  means  of 
subsistence.  The  close  of  the  season  was  now  chiefly  occu- 
lted in  strengthening  the  frontier  posts,  and  in  establishing  others. 
Great  exertions  were  made  by  governor  Meigs,  of  Ohio,  to 
keep  up  the  necessary  supply  of  men,  and  to  provide  the  means 
of  subsistence.  General  Harrison  established  his  head  quarters 
at  Franklinton,  whence  he  could  with  greater  facility  organize 
and  distribute  to  the  different  forts  the  reinforcements  and  sup- 
plies which  must  arrive.  His  object  was  to  concentrate  a  con- 
siderable  force  at  the  Rapids,  and  thence,  unless  a  change  of  cir- 


woods. 


IIJSTOHY  OF  THE  WAR. 


port  arnllory  and  puS  c  s  J^^^  .t  Jn"^  '^*^"'  P''''^^'  '«  ^r«"- 

^av,„g  returned  hooTel  the  ^^niS  oT.^ "' '^^  ^"'""^«-« 
Those  who  remained    werTcK  f^    tf '  *'™  ^^^'^''viee. 
greater   port   ranked   amoLst   it/In?  ^^""'"''^^'  «"^    ^^e 
t-arly  m  the  month  of  Januarv  XT  \  /.f  P^^^^able  citizeas. 
inhmations  Vom  the  inhabitan^'o?  th/  Z'"''!-"'^^'-  '^'^'^d 
which  IS  situated  on  the  ^verta^^•n  ?J    '^'  °f  Frenchtown.. 
Detroit,  that  a  large  body  of  BriMT'   !  7"""  ^^«  ^^^P'^s  and 
concentrate  nt  this^ointffor  th^  Sno'^^   "'''"'  vvere  about  to 
her  progress  of  the  Americans^  ThlP,'''^""*'"^  ^^e  fur- 
^larmed  at  their  situation,  beTo^K^htTh.^^"^''""^^'  ''^^^'^ing 
her  protection,  as  they  vvould^t^^^^ 

i'orrors  of  Indian  massacreTn  1'^      f  ^^  ^^  ^^P^^^d   to  the 
whom  the  British  were  oh  LJ       '"^  •    °'  ^^'°^'°"^  «^^«S«s 
f  «Pt  in   good  humour!    Sat  "  1"^"'^!'  *^'  ^'^^3^  ""ght  4' 
been  thrown  out  by  one  nfihf  f-^^'""^^    ^^^"^  had,  bisides 
of  the  young  Amerir  vol  mee?s  r.;'r'"   ,'^^«  ^^^^^ 
thry  earnestly  besought  the  gS  To  1  JT^'^  "^^''^'^ '  ^"d 
of  the  distressed  i"habitants.^Whh  sll     ,^^'"  '°  ^^«  d««^nc« 
to  then-  wishes,  and,  contrirvV    ?.        *"  ^'^'^ctance,  he  yielded 
mander-in.chief,  resdved  r,^°/!f  f"  ^^^  ?'««  of  thl  com-      ' 
cordmgly,  on  the  17th  of  Januarv       Tf  '?  *^^''-  '"'^'ief-     Ac 
under  colonels  Lewis  and  Allen  lith'o'"''^'^'^  ^  ^^^y  ^^  »"«" 
Isle  until  joined  by  the  n.^„  bod/^  '^^"-^  ^°  ^^'t  at  Presque 

py  XSLtStr^^  -  ^dvance 

approach,  and  prepaTed7o;  tt?"'™^  ^*^'^'"«  ^PP"«ed  o?  he'r 
'landed  the  right  winl  1«      -    "^^Pt'on.  Colond  Allen  com 
;he  centre.     §n  c'^^^Hi  ^h^Zrt'^'I'  '^"^  ^i-^^" d^n 
ine     hey  deployed,  and  moved  forwaL'^  ^^  ^'''^^'-^  ^'^^ 
howitzer  and  muskotry.     Maior.  r         ^''"^^I  ^  ^'^  ^'^^"^  a 
the.r  battalion.,  were  orderfdCdillT''  ^^  ^'«d'««".  with  ' 
houses  and  pic'  cting,  which  thevn"^"  '^'  ^"^'"^  ^rom  the 
""• '  <^  uuiieis,  and  drnv<>  th^  d  .---■—•"'  c  nx;ica,  under 
woods.     Colonel  A  len  made  a  «f    T"^  ^'"'''  ^"^'""^  ^o  the 
^^  en  made  a  simultaneous  movement  upon 


00 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Defeat  of  the  British  and  Indlnns  .  ■  ■ .  Winchester  arrives  with  roinforcement,. 

their  left,  and  after  several  spirited  charges  compdk^h^se  to 
fake  to  the  wood  also.  Here,  availing  themselves  of  the  fences 
and  fallen  tnnber,  they  attempted  to  make  a  stand ;  but  were 
attacked  a  second  time,  and  after  a  conflict  more  obstinate  than 
the  first,  agam  fled.  They  now  attempted  to  draw  their  pur- 
suers  into  a  wood  ;  and  partly  succeeding,  they  charged  in  turn 
furiously,  but  were  unable  to  break  the  American  line  A 
severe  conflict  now  ensued,  but  the  enemy  were  finally  beaten, 
pursued  with  a  continual  charge  for  several  miles,  and  entirely 
dispersed.  Ihe  American  loss  was  twelve  killed,  and  fiftv-five 
wounded:  that  of  the  enemy  could  not  well  be  ascertained,  but 
htleen  of  the  Indians  were  left  on  the  field.  The  volunteers 
.  having  thus  gallantly  effected  their  object,  encamped  on  the 
spot,  where  they  remained  until  the  20th,  when  they  were 
joined  by  general  Winchester.  With  this  addition,  their  whole 
lorce  exceeded  seven  hundred  and  fifty  men. 

Six  hundred  men  were  placed  within  a  line  of  pickets,  and  the 
remainder,  to  the  number  of  one  hundred  and  fifty,  encamped 
in  the  open  field.  On  the  morning  of  the  Syd,  a  combined  force 
ol  about  fifteen  hundred  men,  under  Proctor  and  the  Indian  chiefs 
Kound-Head  and  bplit-Log,  suddenly  attacked  our  little  army. 
Ihey  were  in  an  instant  ready  for  the  reception  of  the  enemy 
who  planted  six  pieces  of  artillery,  and  opened  a  heavy  fire 
accompanied  with  musketry,  against  the  slight  breast-work  of 
pickets.     The  body  of  men  belonging  to  the  encampment,  and 
composing  the  right  wmg,  was  soon  overpowered  by  numbers, 
and  endeavoured  to  retreat  across  the  river.     Two  companies 
ol  fifly  men  each,  seeing  the  situation  of  their  comrades,  sallied 
Ttffl      ^'^If-'''^'^  /o  their  relief,  but  were  obliged  to  retreat 
with  them.     Nearly  all  these  unfortunate  mon  were  either  cut 
olt,  or  surrendered  themselves  prisoners  to  the  British,  under 
promise  of  protection.     The  left  wing  within  the  pickets,  still 
continued  a  cool  and  steady  resistance.     Three  successivfe  as- 
saults  were  made  by  the  British  Forty-first,  but  they  were 
driven  back    with  the  loss  of  thirty  killed  and  one  hundred 
wounded      When  the  right  wing  b/oke  at  the  commencement 
ot  the  action,  great  efforts  had  been  made  bv  general  Winches- 
ter  and  colonel  Lewis,  to  rally  and  bring  them  within  the 
packets  ;  but  m  the  attempt  these  officers  were  taken  prisoners. 
iNotwithstanding  these  misfortunes,  and  the  overwhelming  force 
which  assailed  them  on  every  side,  they  still  continued,  with 
nrmness  and  determination  seldom  surpassed,  to  repulse  every 
assault  ot  the  enemy,  until  eleven  o'clock  in  the  day  ;  making 

•■"•■o -  -sttUyniur  III  ins  TUnKS. 

Finding  at  length  that  it  would  be  vain  to  contend  openly 


HISTOIiY  OF  Tim  WAR. 


01 


-^?!!?l?!!!i£!i!!?^r  onheAmericans^tho^R 


have  been  dearly  bou"i>^  ?!  '"''''^'T''  '^'''  "'^^^'"^  ^^«"Jd 
them  to  surrender      T hi  '  ,  '''"^  attempted  to  prevail  on 

that  onloZTsmca  suno!Tjf  :r  ^old  by  colonel  Proctor! 
to  tJie  fury  of  tl  e  sava T.  o/  .^  "^  '"'"'''  ^"  ^^'''^'''•^'l  over 
no  responsibility  ruK^TnV"'"  ^°  '^«  "^^-^^  thing, 

the  bourses  of  th'e  Xge  wo    fb"e  fjrnt'^Tr'"''  T'  '''' 
flag  communicating  tho.e  Dartirnlnr=        i    ,■  S^"^™'  ^'^"t  « 
to  preserve  the  remaiS  of  lis  hrn'    ^  ''''''"?  ^'^^^  '"  ^"^^^ 
to  surrender  them  as  nrisonorfnf      '^  '''""P"'  ^''^  ''"^^  'Agreed 
being  protected  f^rthrsav^L    J!;!,""  T'^''*^"  «^  '^eir 
retain  their  private  nroner^t    S'    r  u^'?'  ^"^'"^  ^"^^"^^  'o 
returned  them.     The  fhl?'     f  .,°^  ^^.^'"°  ^''^''^  side  arms 
being  unwilling  to  srronL'Sarn"'  'l^'l  '^«  Americans 
received  a  poshi,'e  enZeLn   ?         '  n  ^',"'  '^^"^«'  ""'^I  they 
should  not  be  murderS^ZtLT  '  ^  '''"f  ^^«'°n«'  that  they 
of  burying  their  dead      ^^■,1=''^ ''''°"'''  have  the  privilege 
and  fif^y  in  conitis;ionL  offif '  '^^T^^'  ^"'^  ''""^  ^""drfd 
after  lighting  six  hours  aiin.nr''  '^'"'  ^^•"  ^^•"^'ncd, 
yells  of^athon-sandrvaUTaLr!^^^^^^^^^  surrounded  by  the 
At  this  time  the  killed  wonnnLf         ■'^'''^^^  ^""^  ^^^ir  prey. 

i"ch.ding  those  that  h^d  been  outle";S>"'i??'^  ''"^^^'-?' 
more  than  three  hundred  TKi  ^  ^  '^^^x?^^'  "mounted  to 
have  been  less  The  htleb.n^?!.'''  ""v  •'^'.  ^"^'^^  ^°»W  not 
->d  giving  way  to  ha  tray  SJh'ope^^vhS^h'  K^  *'^^'^.  g^^-'al, 
rate  situations  will  seize  nfLf^  ^^hich  the  bravest  in  despe- 
The  office  of  fiit-  f '  ^    ^*  consented  to  a  surrender. 

duty.'  Tt'l  '^  .trra^lord'^  «  -'-choly 

faction,  in  recordino^  tL.!.     ?•        ^  '"*^"'g«  «  generous  satis- 

ambition  ca^l  fSh°ou  TneT^Tlt'^^^^^^^  ^  ^'S*^'  ''"^  "^'^^'^^^^ 
Who  can  read  withouradmS  .k    *^''  ^""^"'^  °^  humanity. 
Greeks,  and  wha    heai^  can^^' •      ^^^.f  f^  °^  the  ten  thousand 
fate  of  Leonidas  Ind  h     rmortaTSd    'tV'^-  T'^K'^'  '^' 
men,  their  fortitude   their  hZZf         .       T*"?  ''""'"^^  ^^  such 
-inds,  give  a  sanctity'o  t"rLraS['wrr  ""-"^"-"bie 
them,  we  rejoice  that  we  also  are  men      V      ^^^  ^"""^  ^°'- 
^■e  trace,  in  chrracters  of  blood  th?c;i/7r?^''''''t'''  ^''^^ 
depravity,  which  assimilaU  ^  '  T 1'^'  deliberate,  fiendlike 
cious  ofVhe  brute  cSot       '"  '"  '^"  '""^^  °^"°"«  ^"^  fero- 

The  task  I  must  now  fulfil  iq  nmfli .  T        .         ,     « 
things  as  I  almost  shudder  to  nZ     '     ^^'^  ^P^ak  of  such 
without  foa.; -"I'luer  to  name;  neither  ca.    it  b.  d""- 

But  faithllJh;it;j;^foSjjn^^;''^"g  pounds  of  my  counti^; 
«"once,.  they  rnj .^J'^li:  l^^y^^^^^j;^^^^^ 


►it 


02 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Cruelly ^fUiejfltl«li  and  Indiana  at  the  River  Raiain. 


and  that  impartial  jiulgment  must  be  passed  up(  i  th  ;m,  which 
will  doom  them  to  tiie  detestation  of  all  posterity.     The  ven- 
geance of  heaven  d(x;s  not  sleep.    There  is  n  moasiiro  of  retri- 
butive  justice  even  in  this  world,  which  soon  or  late  overtakes 
the  swillest  guilt.   Not  the  most  infuriated  passions  of  the  worst 
times,  ever  caused  the  perpetration  of  more  shocking  cruel- 
ties than  were  now  practised  towards  this  band  of  brave  men. 
Impelled  by  feelings  of  humanity,  they  had  marched  to  protect 
the  feeble  and  the  helpless  from  savage  violence :  and  assailed  by 
overwhelming  numbers,  they  might  have  contended  lo  the  last 
man  ;  but  yielding  to  the  solicitations  of  their  captured  general, 
and  to  the  threats  of  the  conflagration  of  the  village  and  the  mur- 
der  of  its  inhabitants,  they  surrendered  in  an  evil  hour  to  a  faith- 
less  and  treacherous  foe,  that  they  might  be  consigned  to  cruel 
suffering,  to  butchery,  to  murder,  to  unrelenting  torture,  to 
every  species  of  savage  death.     Well  might  those  disposed  to 
wage  such  a  war,  wish  to  destroy  the  pen  of  history.     Would, 
for  the  honour  of  Britain ;  would,  for  the  sake  of  humanity  ; 
would,  for  the  sake  of  our  common  relationship  to  a  nation 
which  possesses  so  many  virtues,  that  the  odious  tale  of  the 
river  Raisin  and  Frcnchtown,  might  be  consigned  to  eternal 
oblivion !    But  it  cannot  be.     The  sacred  call  of  truth  must  bo 
obeyed.    The  savage  and  wanton  massacre  of  our  heroic  coun- 
,  in   the  presence  of  a  British  officer,  has   not   been 
or  palliated.     Other   atrocities  the  perpetrators  have 
"<]  to  f-jver,  by  some  flimsy  veil  of  unsubstantial  excuse ; 
charge  has  always  been  met  with  silence.    They  have 
nut  ,;:•-.  )d  directly  to  deny;  and,  gracious  heaven,  where  could 
they  find  an  excuse  ! 

Scarcely  had  the  Americans  surrendered,  under  the  stipu- 
lation of  protection  from  the  British  officer,  than  our  brave 
citizens  discovered,  too  late,  that  they  were  reserved  to  be 
butchered  in  cold  blood.  Of  the  right  wing,  but  a  small  num- 
ber had  escaped ;  the  work  of  scalping  and  stripping  the  dead, 
and  murdering  those  who  could  no  longer  resist,  was  suffered 
to  go  on  without  restraint.  The  infernal  work  was  now  to 
begin  with  those  who  had  so  bravely  defended  themselves. 
The  infamous  Proctor  and  the  British  officers  turned  a  deaf  ear 
to  the  just  remonstrances  of  these  unhappy  men.  Contrary  to 
express  stipulation,  the  swords  were  taken  from  the  sides  of  the 
officers ;  and  many  of  them  stripped  almost  naked,  and  robbed. 
The  brave  dead  were  stripped  and  scalped,  and  their  bodies 
shockingly  mutilated.  The  tomahawk  put  an  end  at  once  to 
the  sufferings  of  many  of  the  wounded,  who  could  not  rise ;  in 
allusion  to  which,  some  days  afterwards,  a  British  officer  ob- 


-J 


trv 

att<;t;Tjf 

bus  r.hi 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


08 


guarded  by  BrS's^ld    '    ^ortlSZ't.'rY'  °'  ^?'".S 
Indians,  to  be  marrhnd  ;, 'T'^'^  "'''"^L'^^VO  ^'o  charge  of  the 

for  want  of  nourish mnnt    A.  •     ^  "e<-afnG  too  weak 

wounds,  i„  .hirmo  n  '  le^r.  ^Tn'^f  ulr"'  ''"""  "■* 
once  despatched,  iiu,  small  was  'hcTer  nan,  of  ''  l"""  "' 

groafer  par.  of  Ihem  and  in  fi'li?^"'""'"''  '"maliawkcd  the 
fnd  co„L„,ed  .ho7yi„°gld  .t'deaS  I  ™"^'  "^  "'°  "--' 

eve™:itiS'=cr,:,,^rhe^?saS  IIT  """  '"'f  '" 
from  ,he  vUest  rnalefae totwhW,  a,7jk  jS  T  ""'  '""'''"''"' 
lo  friends,  and  for  which  iLT.'.'^?       ''"= '°  snemres  and 

wi,h  ,he  '„„„s,r  wtt:t:nSTa^ZiXrn„ir'°''°" 

permit !     wl^th^re  any  aUelf''  ZT'l'  ^'"^^  """'^  ""» 
"was  as  mn"ph"no  f ''■  °r       °^  ^^'*^   i"imbitants,  although   it 

rorr,r£ir;Lr:«rj-i^^^^^^^^^^ 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-S) 


1.0 


I.I 


'-  ilia 
•^  m 


11.25  i  1.4 


IM 
IM 

1.6 


—    6" 


riiUiugi  apiiiu 

Sciences 
Corporation 


y 


A 


{/ 


'4'       ^3 


L<>^ 


y 


.# 


i\ 


^ 


«^ 


N> 


'% 


V 


<!^     «. 


6^ 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  NY.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


'^<J.^ 


04 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


■^[!!!!!y£L^!;iglitiBhji^^  at  the  River  Raisin. 


them  m  one  common  eravp      Th^iV  .«„„  i  j  ?   ,•     ,      "  '^'" 

ass  s?j«  =:ji^% 

severe  wound  in  the  Lee.    OrSg  suTrid^LTilrlh: 

Y'ut-eron,  out  who  had  become  a  British  offirpr  nnrl  a«  „n    T 
the  savages.  Base  indeed  must  be  that  man  whose  soul  , nf^  ° 

no  further  concern  on  Jhes'ublS      tS  n   ?!  ^^'^  ^""^"'^ 

flowprnVT.n?)  '"■^''^^''   ^'^"^  ^as  composed  of  the 

nower  of  Kentucky ;  we  may  name  Mr.  Simpson    a  mpmh^! 

Proctor    now    hAfrinniro*    f«    r„„_  ^k        •     /.  -       ^ 

conduc,  offered  aTrii.i;".,;rXo:'ZUrs.'i,rpS 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


05 


n. 


nearly  two 
3d  for  them, 

the  autumn 
nes  and  laid 
3s  had  been 
la  beasts  of 
animals, 
g  scenes  of 
:complished 
istinguished 
ung  gentle. 

cannot  be 
finer  distin- 

received  a 
d  with  the 
>t,  a  native 
assmate  at 

an  ally  to 
ioul,  under 
r'oluntarily 
untryman, 
3n,  and  to 
his  mind, 
'e  himself 
I  party  of 
him  from 
by  one  of 
ime  treat- 
r,  induced 
seded  but 
orse,  shot 
ring  was 
iVoolfoik, 
d  of  the 

member 
Williams 
le  excep- 

captains 
nteers  of 
igcment, 
lich  they 
•se  what 

d  to  his 
itilj  pre- 


Humanity  of  the  People  of  Detroit. 


doned.     The  humaZ^rhlwtrs 'rOefr  itS  ^^  'T  ^''""■ 
bited  a  degree  of  tenderness  and  sol Lkude  for  th  '     Z^^  "^^'■ 
countrymen  which  will  ever  Pntitii  ?k     V       '^^""  ""fortunate 
esteem.     Many  of  tS  parted  wh       ""  ^u^"'  g™'^'"^^  «"d 
of  value,  for  the  purchase  ofThJ?  ^^^^^^  ^^'ng  they  possessed 
of  tiie  British  armstust  if  be  ZT7'.' '  ^°''' '°  '^'^  ^'^g^ace 
respectability,  who  composed  ^his  lnaSh''''r"'  "^  '^'^''' 
under  the  eyes  of  colonel  Prortni  t  A   k     ^'i'^'  ^^'^  ^^^^ered, 
from  door  to  doorr^ToS  for  J' ^^'l''^  about  the  streets 
restraint  on  the  crueltv  of  f  h  ''^^  ^^'^«  •'     ^he  only 

permitting  them  TctU't  l^aTaX  "TvS'  'T  ''^^ 
ers  as  were  more  fortunate,  no  ma  ter  whal  ?h'"'^  P?''"" 
charac^^^^^^ 

^^':^^^^^^^  ;»i.ht  have 

blankets  from"  therbeds  when  Lf  J'  ""'J"''^^"'^'  ^"^  «^«n  the 
to  give.  Wr.  Woodwald;  tL  former  K'^.yr""^'  ''^  ^'^^'" 
and  appointed  by  the  PresidentTf  th  if -f  i  o^  ^"P'"^'"^  '^^"''t. 
enlightened  mind,  now  open W  and  Kn^Hl''^  ^''''''  ^  "^^"  °f 
Proctor,  and  in  the  manlySof  hi,  fn  ^f  ^''"'''^^^'^  ^''^ 
the  infamy  of  the  Bri  L  rli  .  '"•'^f'^  "'"""^''y  'depicted 
"  must  undoubtedly  eSu til v  an  "  ?^t"  '''"'^'"  ^^'^  he, 

must  meet  the  steadl  S  -^   ^^  •'*f'  ^"*^  ^^""^  unfortunate  day 

facts  have  £„^2lirhedZTl.Tf ''^^^'•^•"    ^^^ 
appeal  of  judge  Woodw^rHwil^       u°"''  °^  witnesses,  and  the 

of  this  hisiorf  ,1'trember  tSt^°'^"^^    I"'  '""^  ^^^^^^ 
ment  of  a  series  of  bar^aSes'bofh  J^ZZT  a".!  '^'  ^^•""'^nce.       « 
upon  the  frontier,  which  wnl  .ft    ^i''"'^^'^"'''' ^oard  and 
^''ucd :  that  so  far  fr^rthis  h.v        r'*^'  systematically  pur- 
excuse  of  retahation,  it  L  ^  char'S  whTh  T''''  '^  ''''  '««« 

peopir  'aU  Kjn  uty'r;  tS^^"^'  ''^  --^"^'^  of  a 
'soldiers  thus  massacreLorturpnT^/"  «Jo«m„^,-   for  the 

rites  of  sepulture,  were  ofhel^"'  ^^       '^'  "™'"°" 

state,-  many  of   hlryoun^  Z  Jr?'"^'"  ^""^'"^^  «^  the 
with  numer^s  friends  and  rllaTves      ^""'  '"'^  ''^''"^^'°"' 

It^would  be  unjust,  in  this  common  .,r-.fi, *    •     ,    ,     - 

the  ui'itish  officers:  tliP  nam«c  "^r"     ■^"''^^^="'«'  to  mclude  all 


I 


96 


BRACKENKIDGE'S 

March  of  General  Harrison. 


Curtis,  Dr.  Bowen,  and  the  rci^i^^i,JMir]iZZ7~^^ 

also  spoken  of  in  favourable  terms  hv  f!,«  a        ■  J}^°^  "'^^ 

having  on  some  occasions  intereTtedVimsel"^^^^^  ^^ 

Enough  has  certainly  been  said  on  thirrf  the  sufferers, 

part,  1.owever,  cannV  bS  omitted      Pro  S""^  "''''''  T 
eagerness  of  the  people  of  0^^^    n  u   '•  P^'^'^eivrng  the 

captives,  actuallySed  an  orde    prohSn'""^'  'f'  ^'^^PP^ 
chases,  on  the  ground  that  they  gi^e  ^^^^'e  ^.u^^      t^'^''  P"'" 

thing  can  mo^e  indigna^tion,  i!t  tSi^ax  of  St^T  J'r'? 
were  afterwards  proved  to  the  satisfaction  o"S^'  J^'^^ 
the  British  government  was  silent  instPiH  «r  Z  T-  '•     "' 

exa^rnple  of  the  man  who  had  SgK^hlTra^^^^^^^^^^^ 

provided  with  go  dTotrchar'''T,^^  """"^'"^  ^'^^^'^k,  and 
The  doctor,  nSthstSinthfrfl^T  ''  '^7  "''S'^'  ^^"f- 
an  open  letter  directed  /^  1°   p  w^l^' i'  ''*^'"^d  errand,  and 

H„T,ton°rh^'""'''  '"'='»" "holy  affair  soon  after  reache.'  -,»ral 

troops  in  the  i  and^fZ.     ''^  fu™'"^  ^  J""<^tion  with  the 
stores  then  comb^'from  Upper"sfn  l'  r"'"^"^."^*'"^^^  «"d 

promptly  despatched  two  regiments  to  the  asVisTance  o?  hI;;!^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR 


Siege  o^f  Fort  Meigs. 

of  Ohio,  he  named'VCMl      'F"?rr°'^''^^g°^^'^^^^^ 
same  time  constructed  arilnrf^i    For  ifications  were  at  the 

who  commanded le  Pennsvf:anh"'^"r  ^  ^^^^"^^«'  brooks! 

partizan  excursions  nothn^'iSl'^l't;    ^-'W'"'"  ^^"'^ 
severe  w  nter  months      Th     ^°^"'°"3'  transpired  during  the 

had  entirely  deT^ntd  the  S  ans^ofTr'"^  ^'""'"'^  VVinclfeste 
sary  to  organize  a°ne  J  system  ^Cf^^^'^"  '  f  "^  it  was  neces. 
purpose  of  obtainin..  an  S.^:„,?'>  ^°^"™'^d  to  Ohio,  for  the 

volunteered  for^he  dSce  of  t.^  f  .  f^Pired,  generously 
arrival,  general  Harrfon"  et  abo^t  mSjL  ^'"'"^^'^.'^'y  «"  his 
approaching  siege.     The  fnr  I  o     •"'^'''"5  Preparations  for  the 

at  the  distance^of  a  ft w TuZ^H    ''"^P""  "  "^'"S  S^^^^ 

country  on  each  side  of  which  ?seWefl^;:t  ^T  '^'^  ''''''  ^^e 
garrison  was  well  si.nnhVH      -.i     t^""^'"'""^' '"^^dows.    The 

Harrison,  with  utcmftffex:;  ons^'f'^^  -^ 

to  improve  its  capacity  for  rTsi  n"  ;,i^^°"'''^'''  "'f^t  and  day, 
of  captains  Wood  and  Gratiot  I  ^?  '  "'T'  ^''^  assistance 
him  to  put  in  practice  whatoir  ^  '""P^'  engineers,  enabled 
fortifications.  The  troops  X  TT^'^  ^°  '""P'^^^  his 
hundred,  the  greater  na°t  vol nt  '  '°  '^^  ""•^'^^^-  °^  twelve 
determined  to  delni  Xr^seZ^TV"''''  '"  '''S'^  «P'"^«'  ""d 

one  of  the  parties'^onsttTlyle  t  ou  "o  "1^"'     ''"  ^'/  '^^^' 
the  advance  of  the  enemv  rJZll  Ti     ,    ^  Purpose  of  noting    ' 

about  three  miles  beTo^v'  Kw  R  .>rV''  Tf  '."  ^''^^^  ^«^«« 
themsefves  on  the  oonZtP  tJ  ^T'i  ^"'^  ^"^'^"^  showed 
teen.pounder,  compellS  fhem  to'?."'  "  ^'7  f  °'  ^'''^'^  ^"  «'>h. 
sent  to  hasted  the  march  of  „°e?IChv^  t^^^^'^  ^'^  "°- 
mg  with  twelve  hundred  m ilitf.T  ir  ^'  ''i^''  ''''^  approach- 
people,  so  much  sufiters  1  rini^^tlTe^^^^  '^^''^  ^^^^o 

most  to  meet  danger  and  TfF  I.    T''  '^^'^  ^^^^  the  fore- 

•friends.  On  theTh;ee  fol  ^i  "V°  ^t^  ''''  ""^''  °^  *''-■'• 
pied  in  selecting  the  best  nn«;  °  "^^^'.^he  enemy  was  occu- 
around  the  fortr^Sence  t  E'ht  T  '"  '''^''\  ''^'  °^  ^^e  river, 
batteries  on  the  opposite  sid?^;*  ^^  T''^'"^'  '^"^  '"  ^'^^'^4 
rably  in^pedcd  bvTe  t.  tm  "  f  m"""'  ''^^^  ""'''  '^"'''^°- 
availed  themselves  of  the  nSht    ^        """V  .^'"  they  usuaLy 


)F 


98 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Siege  of  Fort  Meigs. 


turned  by  the  American  artillery,  but  without  any  loss  of  Im 
portance  on  either  side.  i  any  loss  ot  im 

The  garrison  suffered  somewhat  from  want  of  water,  their 
wel  not  bcmg  completed ;  and  it  was  attended  with  great  risk 
to  obtam  their  supply  during  the  night  from  the  river  The 
perpetual  v.g.iance  necessary  to  be  observed  in  guarding,  against 
a  surprise  requn-ed  them  to  lie  constantly  on  their  amsind 
was  calcu  ated  to  wear  them  down.  On^he  Is  of  May.  tSe 
enemy  had  mounted  his  batteries,  and  opened  a  fire  whh  one 
twenty-four  pounder,  one  twelve,  one  six,  and  one  howitzer 
No  materia  injury  was  done  on  either  side:  the  commander: 
m^h^f  made  a  narrovv  escape,  a  ball  having  struck  a  b^nch  on 
which  he  was  sitting;  and  some  days  before,  a  man  was  mor" 
ta  ly  wounded  by  his  side.  On  the  3d,  an  ^dditionaT  batTery 
was  opened    at  the  distance  of  two  hundred  and  fifty  yrrds 

teTe  ttown -Tut"  t'h'  "''  ""  ""•'^^ '  -^"^  ^  ""^^er  of  brmb 
^Z    rlu      ■'  *^'^  ^""^  '*^^^*'^'  times  silenced.     In  this 

part  of  the  siege,  major  Chambers  approached  the  fort  with  u 

fetS  ?hat  tf  r'vT'  — Td  the  place  to  suSe" 
fhl  f£  ■  J  i^  ^"'I',''  co^^f^ander  «,«,  desirous  of  sparine 
tj^rji  '^"'"""  *^''"^'  '^^'  his  force  was  so*^immen"e 
that  It  would  be  impossible  to  withstand  it ;  and  that,  uEThe 

ProcTrThiv''"  'Ir^'"''  ''  °"^^  "P°"  *he  tendeV  mercy  o? 
Proctor,  they  might  expect  to  be  massacred  in  cold  blood 
This  summons  was  received  by  Harrison,  with  the  contemtl 
and  indignation  ,t  merited.  To  look  for  m^rcy  from  the  hands 
of  Proctor,  yet  reeking  from  the  murder  of  the  KentucWans 
at  the  nver  Rais.n,  would  have  been  imbecility  indeed  and  if 
he  had  not  been  able  to  restrain  the  Indians  then,  hoTcou?d  he 

Z"::f"l  r^''^'"^  *°  ^''  «''^"  «-^°»"t,  the  number  of 
these  collected,  was  greater  than  had  ever  been  known?  tJI 
commander  expressed  his  surprise,  that  the  garrison  had  not 
been  summoned  before  ;  this  at  least  implied  they  ZuSh^Wm 
resolved  to  do  his  duty ,-  and  that  as  to  the  numbeVof  hfs  fo^™ 
which  he  represented  as  of  such  unusual  magnitude  it  was  a 
trick  which  he  perfectly  understood.     He  thef  reques  ed  ma 

while  ttnTtf^  ?*"^"  '''  ^"^^^^^  *«  general Xlr,  t^i 
while  he  had  the   honour  to  command  an  American  fort    i 

d?ans    "''''  '""■'"^''  '°  "  '^"'"'^'"^^^  ^'''^  °^  British  and  In. 
The  siege  was  renewed  with  great  vigour,  and  the  firin<r  wa<. 
hotly  kept  up  on  both  sides.     The  Indians  mounted  on   rfera 

::ztt  t  v" '"  '°^''  ^r'  ^"^^  i'-  ^"^  '^•"^^^  -3  Vordei 

se.._ra!.     VJu  thu  uiii,  a  small  party  Irom  the  advancin<T  corns 
under  general  Clay,  reached  the  fort,  with  the  inforSr Tat 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


90 


Defeat  of  Colonel  Dudley  . . . .'  o„„„..  ^ — ZTT' 

_ """' Sortie  under  Colonel  Miller. 


he  was  in  his  boats  not  mnny  miles  above.     Orders  were  in 
stantly  despatched  by  the  commander-in-chief  to  the  L.  er.T 

net  Miller  of  the  Nineteenth  United  States  infhntrv  Thl. 
simultaneous  attack  was  well  planned-  shonlr)  i  r,  "  i  T 
enemy  would  be  compelled  to  £  t he ' s  " itl^Tv'" Co^^^^ 
nel  Dudley,  who  was  charged  with  the  exefu  ion  of  Jh^  n,H 
by  general  Clay,  landed  his  men  in  good  order  and  then  ad' 
vanced  on  the  enemy's  cannon.  The  (bur  batte  ies  were  cnr" 
pel  edVU^t'fl-'^';'!  \'^''''''  '•^S"'-^  andTndrarcr 

to  fo.m  an  ambush,  and  wait  the  approach  of  the  Amer  cans 

thevvloHr^Tr'^^"^;"'''""^  '^^^^^'^  themselves  ouHf 
the  woods,  as  if  to  renew  the  action.     Colonel  n,.Hir,  i      • 

now  ensued,  which  was  followed  by  a  slaughter  of  thl  P 
tuckians,  almost  as  terrible  as  that  a{  the  rS  Rat  n,   h  u?h 
not  to  the  same  extent  after  the  hnttio      tk       \"'^'">/n"ugn 

or  m,ssmg.    Colonel  Dudley  a.lcmp.ed  ,o  4^2  w  t  mroS 

:*t.°f,"£?;^ ''.:'.-''«  <■"*«.«.«  head  of  .h^"h„„£ 
hinl^H  ;»J  «A  ,     ''"'  '''  ""*"■  "oAs.  manned  bv  three 

Zl,;^  >,  -^r  "% '"g-lofs  and  five  hundred  Indians,  and  alS 
Kveral  br,ll»„,  ehargea,  drove  the  enemy  from  thei;  prfnSpSI 


1 


100 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


gg!!j^""''er  Colonel  Miller gjege  of  For.  Meig,  raided. 

bottmes,  spiked  the  cannon,  and  returned  to  the  fort  with  for- 
ty.  vvo  prisoners.  The  first  charge  was  made  on  the  Canadians 
colon  1  mT  ^^  '".^J^r  Alexander's  battalion;  the  second  by 
colonel  Ml  ler.  against  the  regulars :  the  officers  of  these  were 
Crognan  Langham,  Bradford,  a  gallant  officer,  Nearin^  and 
heutenants  Gwynne  and  Campbell.  A  company  of  Ken  uck- 
lans,  commanded  by  captain  Sebrce,  wlio  had  distin-^u  shed 
himself  in  the  battle  of  Frenchtown,  was  particularly  reSed 
It  maintained  Its  ground  with  unshaken  firmness,  at  one  time 
against  four  times  its  numbers  ;  and  being  entirei;  surrounded 
would  have  been  cut  to  pieces,  had  not  lieutenant  Gwynne  of 
reLfed"t"''^'  ^'"'"'^  ^'^^^ed    through   the  ene^^y"  and 

in^ZTfl^  of  hostilities  took  place  during  the  three  follow- 
ngdays;  flags  frequently  passed  between  the  besiegers  and 
the  besieged,  and  arrangements  were  entered  into  for  the 
exchange  of  prisoners.  Tecumseh  agreed  to  release  his  clair^ 
to  the  persons  taken  by  the  Indians,  pl-ovided  some  WyandoS^ 
to  the  number  of  forty,  were  delivered  up:  and  Proctor  Dro' 

wiTh  thl:  ir"'  "  !;''  °'  ''''  '^'"^^'  ^^-'^^^  and  pri'^e'r, 
with  this,  however,  he  never  complied.     On  the  9th  the  Pn«. 

my  appeared  to  be  engaged  in  making  preparations  for  raisTng 

the  siege  :  a  schooner,  and  some  gun-boa  s  had  been  brouThl 

up  during  the  night,  for  the  purpole  of  embarking  their  ar?H 

ery ;  a  fe^y  shot  from  the  fort  compelled  them  t^o  South 

oKSIhrl^llS:^^^'  '''^  -'-'  ^'^  -g«'  -^  -veS 

Si    ""nlfTT /r'"  that  which  they  had L-perLced  from 
Hull;  and  that,  if  they  should  succeed  in  taking  an  American 
garrison,  it  must  be  after  severe  fighting.     The  loss  of  the 
Americans  in  the  fort,  was  eighty-onf  kilfed,  and  one  hund  ed 
and  eighty.nine  wounded.     The  loss  of  the  Kentuckians    as 
usual    was  rnuch  the  most  severe,  amounting  to  upZd's  of 
seventy  killed  and  wounded,  besides  the  loss  under  coCeT Dud- 
iey.     1  his  officer  was  much  regretted ;  fow  men  in  Kentuckv 
were  more  generally  esteemed  :  his  body  afler  much  seS  was 
found  unbuned,  and  horribly  mangled.     He  was  interred  to! 
gether  with  some  of  his  companion!,  with  the  honours  of  wir 
The  force  under  general  Proctor  was  reported  at  five  hun 
dred  and  fifty  regulars,  eight  hundred  militia,^andfiAeen  hundred 
Indmns;  the  latter  of  whom  fought  with  gre'at  couraL  and'^n 
several  occasions,  rescued  their  allies  in  the  sorties  from  the 
garrison.     0.n  the  day  of  the  last  affair.  Tecumseh  aSin 


~1' 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


101 


,  was 


B^Re  of  Port  Meigi  raised. 


person,  wuh  the  largest  body  of  Indians  tl.at  had  ever  been 

CO  lected  on  the  northern  frontier ;  and  had  not  ih^sortie  taken 

place,  It  IS  probable  the  situation  of  the  army  woula  have  be^n 

extremely  critical.     The  Indians,  after  the  battle,  according  to 

lilk."f !"  '"•;'''  rr^'  "'"""g^^  *hem,  had  returned  to  the  ? 

d  natfch  ir  7^  '^'  exertions  of  Tecumseh  and  his  subor- 

dinate  chiefs.     Ihu.s  weakened.  Proctor  was  obliged  precipi. 

ately  to  retreat,  leaving  behind  many  valuable  arti^rlesrwh  ch 

in  his  haste  he  was  unable  to  carry  away.     Besides  the  Ame- 

ncan  officers  already  named,  there  were  many  others  who  S. 

tinguished  themselves:  major  Ball,  an  active  office.-,  who  Avas 

f.equently  complimented  in  general  orders,  rendered  great  ser- 

vice  during  the  siege ;  captain  Croghan  on  one  occasion  made 

a  bnmant  sortie  on  the  British  regulars;  majors  Todd,  John- 

son,  Sodw.ck,  R.tzen,  and  Stoddard,  were  also  mentioned  "„ 

i^pr^v  n^?"""''''^''  '"'■"^'•-    7^'  '^"^■••'  ^  "'^^  «^  distinguished 
literary  attainments,  received   a  seve.'e  wound,  of  which  he 

afterwards   died      Captain   Butler's   Pittsburgh  Blues,  which 

StHu  nf  '^«"'^^°'"«'r  «'  '^^  battle  of  Missis^iniwa,  composed 
chiefly  of  young  gentlemen  of  Pittsburgh,  suffered  severely; 
theaccompished  young  officer  who  commanded  them,  was  a 
son  of  the  lamented  general  Butler,  who  fell  in  St.  Clair's  de- 
leat.  It  would  be  m  vain,  on  this  occasion,  to  enumerate  all 
who  deserved  the  applauses  of  their  country. 

«  o^n-/'%  r^^^  °^  ^^'^  ^^'"''  °^^"^'^«  operations  were  for 
a  considerable  time  suspended  on  both  sides.     Until  the  com. 

thfn^n  A  "V.''  rP'^P^?*'°"'  °"  ^""^^  Erie,  which  were 

r!h  '"  ^.°"«'^«';^^  «  forwardness,  the  troops  were  to  remain  at 

th/  l.^^^f-;  ^""^  yPf'"*  S«"dusky.  Without  the  command  of 
InnM  tk  J^  of  consequence  could  be  effected;  the  troops 
would,  therefore,  contmue  a  great  part  of  the  summer  in  a 
state  of  inactivity,  awaiting  this  event.  In  the  meantime 
general  Harrison  returned  to  Franklinton,  for  the  purpose  of 
organizing  the  forces  expected  to  concentrate  at  that  place.  A 
deputation  from  all  the  Indian  tribes  residing  in  the  state  of 
Ohio  and  some  in  the  territories  of  Indiana  and  Illinois,  made' 
a  tender  of  their  services  to  follow  general  Harrison  into  Cana- 
da.  Hitherto,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  band  commanded 
nLo'TH'  ^^'^V^g^'^hed  chief  and  nephew  of  Tecumseh., 
C     ^i^t^^f'^.'y  Indians  had  been  employed  by  the  United^ 

h!  kI'  !l^  ^'^'"''^- !°  '^'""'"  "^"''•«''  co»'d  not  be  understood 
by  them  :  they  considered  it  in  some  measure  a  reproach  upon 
their  courage ;  more  particularly,  as  several  hostile  incursions 
had  been  made  of  late  into  their  settlements  by  the  hostile  In- 
aians.    (general  Harrison  consented  to  receive  them  into  the 


I 


102 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Eiploit  of  Major  Ball Bfiti.h  rrep.ralion,  ii^^n^iZ 


service;  but,  expressly  on  condition,  that  they  should  spare 
their  prisoners  and  not  assnil  defenceless  women  and  children. 
Logan  was  killed  not  long  arterwards. 

ihP^Jl'r'f''. '^''  """rit  ''ri'  '^''""^  "°""^^y  ^^"«  shielded  from 
he  depredations  of  the  Indians,  they  still  continued  to  attack 
the  settlements  along  the  borders  of  the  lake,  from  Frenchtown 
Innn.^'  ct'"'''  '"T^'  '^^''''"''^  ^  temporary  check,  from  a 
Zirf  ^rf  ""  m'  '""J°'"  ^"•'-  ^^^"'  °'fi«'r  ^««  descend" 
,non  L     ,    ? /^  '"^''  twentytwo  men,  when  ho  was  fired 

Uochtl    A         ^1  '""'"■  ""'"'^"''  ""^  ^"'^'^"^  '"  ambuscade. 

He  charged  upon  them;  drove  them  from  their  hiding-places: 

and,  after  an  obstinate  contest  on  a  plain,  favourabfe'to  the 

operations  of  cavalry,  killed  their  chi'efs.     The  savages,  see- 

ng   no   hope  of  escape,  contended  with   dreadful  fury  until 

heir  whole  band  was  destroyed.     During  the  heat  of  the  fight. 

the  major  was  dismounted,  and  had  a  personal  conflict  with  a 

ch  ef  of  prodigious  strength.     They  fought  with  desperation, 

until  an  oflicer  shot  the  Indian.        •'        °  » ^     '""' 

We  now  return  to   the  operations  of  our  armies  on  the 

n?  in'nv'°"*''"''  ''^'■''  '•"'^^  *^«  ^^^"t^"-'  «nd  the  renewal 
o    hostilities,  events  of  a  very  important  character  had  trans- 


CHAPTER  VIII. 


oeneral  P,k«-Taking  of  York-Evplosion  of  a  Magazine-Death  of  General  Pike- 

d^L  a^dWiT  ''7"'-  r '  ^"^-""'"^  "'  "'""^  creek-Capture  of  Sne  "h  Cha^ 
dierand  Wnder-Bra.sh  attack  Sacketf8  Harbour-repulsed  by  General  Brownl 
Res.gnat,on  of  General  Dearborne-Town  of  Sodus  attacked-Al^ir  atlaver  Uam^ 
-Ueutenant  Eldridge-lndian.  taken  into  the  American  .ervice-BHttsh  attack 
Back  Rock-Second  taking  of  York-British  devastate  the  Borders  of  Lake  Cham 
plain-Cruise  of  Commodore  Chauncey  on  Lake  Ontario. 

During  the  winter,  Great  Britain  had  sent  a  number  of 
troops  to  Halifax,  for  the  purpose  of  being  employed,  in  the 
spring,  m  the  defence  of  Canada.  The  recent  success  of  the 
tiZT  '\Tr'"e"t,  had  taken  away  any  disposition  she 
migr.t  have  had  for  a  peace,  as  was  clearly  proved  by  the  re- 
jection of  the  Russian  mediation.     The  militia  of  Canada  was 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


108 


__   Incuraion  of  Fonythe Attack  on  Ogdeniburgh. 

disciplined  with  great  care,  and  from  the  great  energy  of  the 
British  government,  it  was  enabled  to  bring  them  more  niompt- 
ly  into  service,  and  to  retain  them  for  a  longer  term  ;  while  on 
our  side,  during  the  past  year,  from  the  unpopularity  of  the  war, 
It  was  dilficult  to  prevail  on  the  states  to  call  out  the  militia; 
and  volunteers,  by  which  the  war  to  the  westward  was  so 
spiritedly  carried  on,  came  forward,  in  the  northern  sections 
ol  the  union,  in  but  small  numbers.  It  was  still  hoped  that 
such  preparations  would  bo  made,  during  the  winter,  as  would 
lead  to  something  of  more  importance  than  had  been  done  the 
year  before ;  although  the  golden  moment  for  the  conquest  of 
Canada  had  passed,  the  British  having  so  strengthened  them- 
selves,  ns  to  render  the  execution  of  such  a  project  a  matter 
ol  extreme  difficulty.  It  was  thought,  however,  that  by  one 
vigorous  effort  more,  particularly  if  the  spirit  of  the  northern 
states  could  be  roused,  and  the  nation  bo  made  to  come  forth 
in  Its  strength,  something  might  yet  be  effected.  If  the  com- 
plete  command  of  the  lakes  could  be  obtained,  the  whole  of 
Upper  Canada,  at  least,  must  fall  before  winter. 

A  mutual  exchange  of  prisoners  had  taken  place,  and  ar- 
rangements  were  entered  into,  to  effect  this  in  future ;  by  which 
means  some  valuable  officers,  taken  in  the  first  campaign,  were 
restored.  The  troops,  enlisted  in  the  midland  and  northern 
states,  were  marched  to  the  frontier,  and  all  the  necessary 
supplies  and  munitions  of  war  were  assiduously  collected  at  the 
different  posts  along  the  line.  Excepting  some  partizan  af- 
fairs, nothing  of  consequence  transpired  during  the  winter. 

In  the  month  of  February,  a  party  of  the  enemy,  who  cross- 
ed in  search  of  some  of  their  deserters,  committed  many 
wanton  depredations  on  the  houses  and  property  of  the  inhabi- 
tants.  Major  Forsythe,  who  commanded  at  Ogdensburgh,  re- 
solved to  return  the  visit.  Taking  a  part  of  his  riflemen,  and 
such  volunteers  as  offered,  some  of  whom  were  private  gentle- 
men of  the  neighbourhood,  he  crossed  the  St.  Lawrence,  sur- 
prised the  guard  at  Elizabethtowr  took  fifty-two  prisoners, 
among  whom  were  one  major,  thr<  aptains,  and  two  lieuten- 
ants ;  and  captured  one  hundred  anu  twenty  muskets,  twenty 
rifles,  two  casks  of  fixed  ammunition,  and  other  public  proper- 
ty.    He  then  returned,  without  the  loss  of  a  single  man. 

Soon  after,  it  was  discovered  that  the  British  meditated  an  at 
tack  on  Ogdensburgh.  Colonel  Benedict  called  out  his  regimen 
of  militia,  to  aid  in  the  defence  of  the  place.  They  appeared  on 
the  21.st  of  February,  with  twelve  hundred  men;  and  with  this 
force,  so  much  superior  to  that  of  Forsythe,  succeeded  in  expel- 
ling him  from  the  town,  afler  a  sharp  conflict.     The  British 


:i 


IIH 


BRAOKENRIDGE'S 


GRnnral  Pike. 


attacked  m  two  columns,  of  .«ix  hundred  men  each,  at  eicht 
MM.  ',"  r  "'"'■"'"^''  n^^'J  wrro  commanded  by  captain 
M  Uonnel,  of  the  Glengary  light  infantry,  a  corp^  trained  with 
pccuhar  care,  and  colonel  Frazier,  of  the  Canada  militia.  The 
Americans  k.>pt  up  the  contest  for  an  hour,  with  tho  loss  of 
twenty  men  kill(.d  and  wounded  ;  and  from  the  cool  and  d.>. 
iberute  aim  of  the  riflemen,  the  enemy  must  have  lost  twice 
that  number,  among  whom  were  five  olTicers  of  distinction. 
A  flourish  was  made  by  the  British  of  this  affair  ;  and  a  messa-re 
was  sent  with  the  news  to  colonel  M'Feeley,  commanding  the 
American  garrison  of  Niagara,  informing  him  that  a  salute 
would  be  hred  from  Fort  George.  The  American  officer  ex- 
pressed  his  satisfaction  at  being  able  to  return  the  compliment, 
as  he  had  just  received  intelligence  of  the  capture  of  his  ma- 
jesty  s  frigate  Java,  by  an  American  frigate  of  equal  force  :  and 
intended  to  fire  a  snLte  from  Niagara,  at  the  same  time,  in 
honour  of  this  brilliant  victory. 

Bodies  of  new  levies  were  daily  arriving  at  Sackctt's  Har- 
bour and  the  vicinity  of  that  place.     To  convert  new  recruits, 
in  the  course  of  a  kw  months,  into  efficient  troops,  was  an 
operation    not  easily  performed.     Indefatigable  industry  was 
display^'d  in  this  essential  duty  by  Pike,  lately  promoted'to  the 
ranit  of  a  brigadier,  in  consequence  of  his  meritorious  services, 
and  increasing  reputation.     Pike  was  cradled  :n  the  camp  :  his 
lather,  a  revoutionary  officer,  was  still  in  the  army,  but  too  far 
advanced  m  life  for  active  service.     He  was  acquainted  with 
all  the  de  mis  of  the   military  profession,  having   served    in 
every  grade  from  a  soldier  to  the  general.     He  possessed  an 
ardent  mmd,  and  was  animated  by  a  desire  of  martial  glory  and 
renown  ;  but  such  glory  and  renown  as  were  compatible  with 
the  welfare  of  his  country.     The  models  which  he  had  placed 
before  hinri,  were  somewhat  of  a  romantic  cast ;  he  desired  to 
combine  the  courage  of  the  soldier,  and  the  ability  of  the  com- 
mander,  with  those  ornaments  of  character  which  become  the 
man.     Pike  was  already  a  favourite  in  the  United  States,  and 
distinguished  as  the  adventurous  explorer  of  the  immense  Wes- 
tern  desert,  traversed  in  another  direction  by  Lewis  and  Clarke. 
He  hid  here  given  proofs  of  much  fortitude  of  mind,  vigour  of 
body,  and  great  prudence  and  intelligence.    His  zeal  and  activity 
were  afterwards  conspicuous,  in  the  success  with  which  he  form- 
ed  ttie  regiment  placed  under  his  command.     He  was  beloved 
by  his  troops,  whose  affections  he  knew  how  to  engage,  and  into 
whom  he  could  infuse  a  portion  of  his  own  generous  spirit.     It 
IS  not  surprising,  therefore,  that   the  progress  made  by  the 
troops,  at  Sackett  s  Harbour,  under  the  unceasing  attention  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


106 


Taking  of  York. 


this  accomplished  oiricor,  should  be  unusually  rapid.     Nothint 
was  wanting  Ijut  an  opp..rtu  lity,  on  opeaiuir  ol  the  cauipaiLm 
to  k'jid  them  to  the  aciiiuv(.„ieiit  of. some  gh)riou.s  expk)it. 

ihi.-i  oi)p(n-Uiiiily  was  not  'oni,'  in  presentuifr  itself.  The 
lak.!  was  no  sooner  clear  of  ice,  than  a  descent  on  the  Canada 
shore  was  projected.  York,  th,;  capital  of  Upper  Canada,  was 
the  depot  ol  all  the  nritish  military  stores,  whence  •'•-  wes- 
tern p(«ts  were  supplied.  It  was  known  that  a  lariro  vessel 
was  on  the  stocks,  and  nearly  completed.  The  importance  of 
the  place  to  either  party  was  immense.  Should  un  attack  on 
It  prove  successful,  it  might  ho  Ibllowcd  up  by  an  immediate 
attempt  upon  Fort  George;  and  the  forces  then,  concentrating, 
and  aided  by  the  fleet,  might,  with  every  prospect  of  success 
move  against  Kingston. 

About  the  middle  of  April,  the  commander-in-chief,  after  con 
fercnce  with  Pike  and  other  oflicers,  determined  on  attackin" 
York.     Major  torsythe,  who  had  returned  to  Ogdcnsbur^h  on 
the  retreat  of  the  Hritish,  was  ordered  with  his  riflemen  to  re- 
pair to  Sackett's  Harbour;  and  commodore  Chauncey  received 
orders  from  the  navy  department,  to  co-operate  with  general 
Uearborne,  m  any  plan  of  operations  which  ho  might  wish  to 
carry  into  execution.     On  the  aSth  of  April,  the  fleet  moved 
clown  the  lake,  every  arrangement  having  been  made  for  the 
projected       .ck.     The  plan,  which  had  been  principally  sug- 
gested by  Pike,  was  highly  judicious ;  and,  at  his  particular  re- 
quest,  he  was  entrusted  with  its  execution      On  the  27th  at 
seven  o'clock  in  the  morning,  the  fleet  safely  rtichcd  the  plkce 
of  destination.     The  spot  fixed  on  for  this  purpose  was  an 
open  space  at  the  ruins  of  Toront-,  the  former  site  of  (he  fort 
about  two  miles  above  the  present  town  of  York.     The  debark 
ation  commenced  at  eight  o'clock,  and  was  completed  at  ten. 
1  he  British,  oii  discovering  the  fleet,  hastily  made  the  necessary 
dispositions  to   oppose  the  landing  of  the  American  forces. 
General  ShealTe  advanced  from  the  garrison,  which  was  situa- 
ed  above  York,  with  his  whole  force,  consisting  of  about  seven 
hundred  and  filly  regulars  and  militia,  and  five  hundred  In- 
dians,  besides  a  body  of  grenadiers,  and  a  corps  of  Glenrrary 
lencibles.     The   Indians  were   placed  in  the  thickets  at"  the 
water  s  edge,  near  the  expected  points  of  debarkation,  while 
the  regulars  were  drawn  upon  the  bank,  and  partly  concealed 
in  a  wood.     In  pursuance  of  the  plan  of  attack,  the  batteaux 
carrying  Forsythe  and  his  riflemen,  first  moved  to  the  shore, 
at  the  point,  where  the  principal  force  of  the  enemy  was  sta- 
tioned.    A  galling  fire  of  musk'  try  and  rifles  was  instantly 
opened  on  him.     To  have  gone  h.gher  up  would  have  deranged 


i 


I!  • 


106 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


_Taking  of  York. 


the  general  plan ;  he  delermined^elbre  to  dash  at  once  into 

raring 'thefr  fire."'''"  '"^  '"  -nomen  an  opportunity  of 
the^i!rusr''ar'no!t '''"'-^  ''"'^'""S  this  movement,  observed 

ordenng  major  King  to  follow,  with  a  par't  of    is  regL^t 

tarhZnf   T^,^"^^^''^  ""''^  *^«  ^^hole  British  force.     The  de 
of  Eul  "a  voLT'  ^«"^'«''"g«^the  light  artillery  under  ma- 
inH  „K     f '.u  ^°'"Pi^e»'  corps  commanded  by  colonel  M'Clure 
and  about  thiry  nflemen  under  lieutenant  Rkldle  now  anded 
Pike,  placing  huTiself  at  the  head  of  the  kw  fiS  formed  and 

vi  h"h"f  tnd7ul  'oV°"'"  "Pj'^'^'  S^"?"^'>^  ascendfdThf  ik 
grenad  ers  HP  .h  '""Z'  ""''"'  ^  '^''''''  °^  bullets  from  the 
gienadiers.     He  charged  impetuously  upon  them.-  thev  were 

w    nX  SuIToTp"'  't    '''^'^  '^ '^  ^ '^^-^y  beenSeved 
Sorious     thp  rL^^'^y^^  announced  that  he  had  also  been 
filo  K  .  fu'  ^."^^.G^'engary  fencibles  still  kept  up  an  irreeular 
sSli"     ^"  ^""aT  ^^'^  ^^^'     A  ^'-^^h  body^of  grenadSow 
suddenly  issued  from  the  wood,  and  made  a  desperate  char JI 

on  S"^   l'"^  !  f  S™^"^'  ^^h'^J'  by  this  time  wa    drawn  up 
nL?H  .    .f  \^^  ^''^  '^  ^^'t^^^d;  but  in  a  moment  rallied  re^ 

Ihe  whole  of  the  troops  having  now  landed,  they  were  formed 

M'pf,  ''^opPs  Jnder  majors  Lewis  and  Eustis,  and  colonels 
M  Clux^  and  Ttipley,  were  disposed  in  the  most  iud  r^n! 
manner,  while  Forsythe  and  his'  riflemen  were  to  act  on'th 

dsLn  anJwith  r"  '^u""  ""T^  ''"^^^^^  ''''^  ^^e  utmost  pre! 
would  n.  i  .-?"?  ^^g"'^"ty  as  the  nature  of  the  ground 
twZfv  Ef  '  "!]'''  ^^^y  ^'"^'•g^d  ^'•°'n  the  wood,  when  a 
bitte  Lt  fft  n'P'"''  "P°"  ^'^^"  ^^^"^  °"«  «^the  enemy's 
Ived  on  toTb.  «i  '/^  u-\'  '°°"  "^""«*^'  ^^^^  ^^e  column 
TZ  a1     *^^  '^T*^'  ""hich  was  abandoned  on  the  approach 

eramif.  h^r^''  '^^  T""!  ^^'''^^^'"g  ♦«  ^^e  garrison.'^'  Get 
'mthettrZ?u^7fu  th«<^«  "mn  to  halt,  for  the  purpose  of  learn- 
ing  the  strength  of  the  garrison,  and  obtaining  fi.rthor  l^f^^r-^ 

Sed'a  sLtr'l'  ^PP'\'^^  ^'^  '^^^^  heen  eVacuatedrhe'sus-' 
K  £  euSS  R-.^^r  ^""  ^'^H"  '^'  ^«^^h  of  some  secret 
lorce.     i^ieutenant  Riddle  was  sent  forward  to  learn  the  situa- 


I  >! 

I  il 


TAKING  OF  YORK,  AND  DEATH  OP  GBNEKAL  PIKK 


i 


GALLANT  DEFENCE  OF  FORT  SANDUSKY,  BV  MAJOR  CROGHAN 

Se»  Pag»  J  50. 


108 


HISTO    i    OF  THE  WAR. 


109 


I 


IAN 


loa 


Taking  ol' York  ....  Explosicn  cf  a  Magazine  —  Dcntli  of  Genera  I  I'ikc 


tion  of  the  onemy.  In  the  ineanwhile,  Pike,  as  humane  as  lie 
was  brave,  occupied  liimsoli'  in  removing  a  woundetl  Biitish  sol- 
dier from  u  dangerous  situation;  and  liaving  performed  this  act 
of  humanity,  which  speaks  volumes  in  liis  lavour,  had  seated 
himseif  on  the  stump  of  a  tree,  and  entered  into  conversation  with 
a  Serjeant,  who  had  been  taken  prisoner :  when  suddenly  the  air 
was  convulsed  by  a  tremendous  explosion.  The  magazine,  at 
the  distance  of  two  hundred  yards,  near  f  iic  barracks,  had  blown 
up.  The  air  was  instantly  filled  with  huge  stones  and  fragments 
of  wood,  rent  asunder  and  whirled  aloft  by  the  exploding  of  tivo 
hundred  barrels  of  powder.  This  was  the  treacherous  attack 
which  the  British  had  prepared,  but  which  Pike  could  not  have 
suspected.  Immense  quantities  of  these  inflamed  and  black* 
ened  masses  fell  in  the  midit  of  the  victorious  column,  causing 
a  havock  which  the  arms  of  the  enemy  could  not  have  effected, 
killing  and  wounding  upwards  of  two  hundre<l,  and  amongst 
the  latter  their  beloved  commander,  the  heroic  Pike.  The  bravo 
troops,  though  for  a  inoment  confounded  by  tlic  shock,  were 
soon  called  to  their  recollection  by  the  national  music,  Yankeo 
Doodle :  the  column  was  instantly  closed  up  ;  and  they  rent 
the  air,  in  their  tui-n,  whh  three  loud  huzzas ! 

The  wound  of  Pike,  a  severe  contusion,  was  soon  found  to 
be  mortal;  he  still,  however,  preserved  his  undaunted  spirit: 
"  Move  on  my  brave  fellows,  and  j'evenge  your  general,"  ho 
cried,  addressing  them  for  the  last  time.  This  they  instantly 
obeyed.  He  was  then  taken  up  by  some  of  his  men,  to  \a3 
conveyed  on  board  the  ship ;  scarcely  had  he  reached  tl;e  shoro 
of  the  lake,  when  a  loud  and  victorious  shout  from  his  brigade 
brightened,  for  a  moment,  tlic  expiring  lamp  of  life ;  a  liiint 
sigh  was  all  his  strength  would  permit  him  to  express.  Shortly 
afterward,  the  British  flag  was  brought  to  him  by  one  of  iiii4 
soldiers ;  at  the  sight  of  it,  his  eye  again  resumed  its  wonltiJ 
lustre  for  a  moment,  and  making  signs  for  it  to  be  placed  under 
his  head,  he  gloriously  expired.  Thus  fell  a  warrior  who  will 
live  with  honour  in  tlte  page  of  history.  Brave,  prudent  and 
chivalrous,  he  was  adorned  with  tiiat  moral  excellence  winch 
is  essential  to  the  accomplished  soldier  and  the  real  hero. 
As  he  terminated  his  career  in  the  very  day-spring  of  lili-,  wo 
can  but  imiwrfcctly  estimate  what  the  ripened  age  of  so  much 
promise  would  have  brought  forth.  No  officer  entertained  a 
more  refined  sense  of  honourable  warfare;  n  proof  of  it  is  to 
be  found  in  the  ordors  which  he  s-ivo  on  this  mcmornl.'le  dav, 
that  any  of  his  soldiers  who  should  molest  the  possessions  or 
persons  of  the  inhabitants,  or  wantonly  destroy  the  public  pro 
perty,  should  sitifer  instant  death.  i 


I 


ii-M 


110 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Taking  of  York. 


.ni?n  1  P^  .  ^''T''^   ^.'''^'  ^^«  command  devolved  on 

colonel  Pearce,  who  advanced  to  the  barracks,  which  he  found 

rl'n,   f/",.  ''r'"''''lf "  ""^  Forsythe;  the  enemy  having  re- 
'      W  r\  ^.^  °"°."°^'  ^"'"S  acquainted  with  the  fur. 

the   execution  of  the  plan  of  attack,  the  enemy  was  not  imme- 
d^atc  y  pursued  ;  otherwise  the  whole  of  the  regulars  and  public 
sto  es  must  have  fallen  mto  our  hands.     The  Americans  after 
iialtmg  a  short  time,  moved  on  towards  the  town  ;  and  on  draw- 
ing  near  it  were  met  by  officers  of  the  Canada  militia,  with  offers 
of  capitulation.     This  produced  some  delay ;  but  it  bein  ° sus! 
pected  that  it  was   only  intended  to  facilitate  the  escape  of 
general  SheafTe  and  the  principal  part  of  his  regularsfar^'o 
gam  time  while  they  could  destro'y  the  military  stor'es    anS 
burn  the  vessel  on  the  stocks,  Forsythe  and  Ripley  pushed 
forward,  and  were  soon  after  followed  by  Pearce.     The  strictest 
observance  of  Pike's  order,  with  respect  to  the  treatment  of  the 
rnhabitants  and  their  property,  was  enjoined.     At  four  o'clock 
he  Americans  were  masters  of  the  town.     Although  with  ius- 
tice  they  might  be  enraged   at  the   conduct  of  the   British 
or  their   barbarous   and   unmanly  attempt   to  destroy  them' 
by  a  mine,  the  troops  conducted  themselves  with  the  most  per- 
fect ol-der  and  forbearance  ;  perhaps  considering  this  the  best 
testimonial  of  respe.t  for  their  brave  leader.     The  stipulations 
of  surrender  were  entered  into  with  colonel  Pearce,  at  the  very 
moment  the  British  were  e-  raged  in  the  destruction  of  the  pub- 
lie   property.     By  the  terms  of  the   stipulation,  the  troops 
regulars  and  militia,  naval  officers  and  seamen,  were  surrendered 
prisoners  of  war;  all  the  public  stores  were  given  up,  and  all 
orivate  property  was  to  be  guarantied  to  the  citizens  of  York  • 
every  thing  relating  to  the  civil  departments  was  to  be  respected  • 
and  the  surgeons,  attending  on  the  wounded,  were  not  to  be  con! 
sidered  as  prisoners  of  war. 

It  is  gratifying  to  reflect  that  the  deportment  of  the  victors, 
on  this  occasion,  was  such  as  to  extort  praise  even  from  the 
vanquished.  So  far  from  inflicting  any  injury  on  the  inhabi! 
tants,  a  considerable  portion  of  the  public  stores,  which  could 
not  easily  be  transported,  were  distributed  among  them,  and 
hey  expressed  themselves  highly  satisfied  with  the  conduct  of 

tZ.t7"fT'  Pu  '^'■'"''P^'  ^'"''  ^ffi^*^"-^"  °^  fhe  place  ad- 
dressed a  letter  of  thanks  to  general  Dearborne,  for  the  strict 
regard  which  was  manifested  by  the  troops  under  his  command, 
for^the  safety  of  the  persons  and  property  of  the  inhabitants. 

i  nu  commanaer-m-ciiiei"  landed  soon  atler  the  fall  of  Pike 
but  did  not  assume  the  imnie(^iate  command  until  after  the  sur* 
yepoer  of  the  towpt 


T  tniTi  -  linnw  i  .1.... 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


Ill 


Taking  0^,  York. 


P 


Gr6at  assistance  was  rendered  during  the  engagement  by  the 
co-operation  of  commodore  Chauncey,  aflor  landing  the  troops. 
The  vessels,  in  consequence  of  a  contrary  wind,  were  com- 
pelled to  beat  up  to  their  several  positions  with  great  ditliculty, 
and  under  a  heavy  fire  from  the  batteries.  When  tiiis  was 
etfected,  they  opened  a  galling  and  destructive  fire,  which  con- 
tributed much  to  the  success  of  the  attack.  In  the  squadron, 
three  were  killed  and  eleven  wounded ;  among  tiie  first,  mid- 
shipmen Thompson  and  Hatfield,  both  much  regretted. 

The  loss  on  the  American  side  was  inconsiderable  until  tho 
explosion  of  the  "  infernal  machine,"  which  caused  it  to  amount 
to  three  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded.  Several  officers  of 
merit  were  killed  or  wounded  by  the  explosion.  The  aids  of 
the  general,  captains  Nicholson  and  Frazier,  were  wounded ; 
the  first  mortally :  also,  captain  Lyon,  captain  Hoppock,  lieu- 
tenant Bloomfield,  and  many  other  valuable  officers.  Much 
praise  was  bestowed  on  lieutenant-colonel  Mitchell,  of  the 
third  regiment  of  artillery :  he  formed  the  column  after  the 
explosion,  and  throughout  the  whole  of  the  afl'air  behaved 
with  the  greatest  gallantry.  Major  Eustis,  captains  Scott, 
Young,  Walworth,  M'Glassin,  and  Stepiien  H.  Moore  of  the 
Baltimore  volunteers,  who  lost  a  leg  by  the  explosion ;  and 
Lieutenants  Irvine,  Fanning  and  Riddle,  were  named  iimong 
the  most  distinguished  of  the  day.  ' 

There  were  taken  from  the  British,  one  lieutenant-colonel, 
one  major,  thirteen  captains,  nine  lieutenants,  ebven  ensigns, 
one  deputy  adjutant-general,  four  naval  officers,  and  two  hun- 
dred and  fifly-one  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates ; 
and  it  was  contended,  that  according  to  the  capitulation,  the 
commanding  general,  his  staff,  and  all  his  regulars,  ought  to 
have  been  surrendered.  There  was  certainly  an  unfair  proce- 
dure on  the  part  of  the  British  general,  as  well  in  this  business, 
OS  in  the  destruction  of  the  public  property  after  it  had  been 
fairly  surrendered.  With  respect  to  the  explosion,  it  was 
attributed  by  general  ShcafTe  to  accident;  and  as  a  proof,  he 
mentioned  the  circumstance  of  forty  of  his  own  men  having 
been  killed  and  wounded  in  the  retreat.  But  the  American 
officers,  who  witnessed  the  affair,  were  perfectly  satisfied  that 
it  was  designed.  After  the  conflict  had  ceased  for  some  time, 
and  the  magazine  and  barracks  had  been  entirely  abandoned  by 
the  enemy,  the  occurrence  of  such  an  accident  was  almost  im 
possible ;  and  leads  to  the  conviction,  that  a  match  had  been 
purposely  luid,  intended  to  explode  on  the  approach  of  the  Ame- 
rican troops ;  which,  but  for  the  fortunate  precaution  of  their 
commander,  would  have  involved  them  in  one  general  destruc- 


113 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Takingnf  Yof  fc Taking  of  Fort._0;^nn^«^n^|^^|^^^ 

lion.    It  i.  unjust  on  light  srouncls,  to  i,n,.i,ic  to  tl>e  BHtishKcne'. 

al,  conduct  so  cl.sl.onourablo  ;  an,l  but  iur  the  circumstances  wj 

have  mentK.ncci  ,t  mi^.ht  ho  rcgardc.l  as  the  unuulhor  "5  S  of 

I  ,^  kri.  overtaken  l,y  stones  propelled  to  an  immense  distance 
g  ves  no  weight  to  h.s  exculpation :  this  may  have  prc^ecdej 
Iron,  his  not  havmg  calculated  with  sufficient  accuracy  for 'heir 
Zl     '7:  "^/'^•^"gh  "°tl.ir)g  could  have  been  better^timed  fo 
the  complete  destruction  of  our  gallant  countrymen.     Had   ho 
cMosion  taken  place  in  the  midst  of  the  f.ght,  there  mi^ht 
Icn  bo  room  for  supposition  tliot  it  was  the  result  of  accident  • 
but,  under  the  circumstances,  that  this  should  have  Sen  "he 
c..s,s  appears    next  to    impossible.     The  loss  of  the  British 
«">'"'ni-ed  to  seven  hundred  and  My  men   in  killed,  woinded 
;-•';!    prisoners:   of  these,  the   killed  an.l  wounded 'we'enol 
less  t  un    wo  hnmlre.  ;  the  prisoners  amounted  to  fifty  regulars 
n ml    ive  hundred    n„|,tia.     Prop.-rty  to  an  immense  amoun 
vas^ destroyed,  and  there  still  rem.ined  to  the  value  of  atlcas 
I'l'lf  n  mil  ion  of  .lollars:  in  his  hasty  retreat,  genem  Sheaffb 
abandoned  h.s  baggage,  containing  all  his  b^s  a^d  nape," 
uh.ch  proved  n  valuable  acquisition.     Upon  the   "JifThe 
capture  of  York  was  a  brilliant  achievement,  and  wor  hy  of 
P.ke,  Its  projector.     Jt  was  the  first  dawn  of  that  milim  7dUi. 

^  The  ol^iec  '  ?'  r  ""  '.'^°°'  ':^«M'erience  had  fashioned 
Ihe  object  of  this  expedition  being  now  fully  attained,  the 

^uSr^rr'^fl  Tr'''^  ^'"^^  °"  •'•«  ^^^  of  May,  and  rtem. 
he  8th.  A  schooner  had  m  the  meantime  been  despatched 
<^  N.ngara,  to  inform  general  Lewis  of  the  success  of  ^he  ex- 
I.C-.I. non,  and  of  ,he  intended  movements  of  the  troops. 
r,i  "''V  ''""f,  !«  '^';  i'ndertak,.n,  was  the  attack  of  Fort 
t^rS^."',  r  '  ^r''  "^'?^'"'''  ''^'^'"  ""•^"'^cessfullv attempted 
of  ,h  ?'■'•     ^°7:T^^'^''«  ^'•'"""^'^y  having  the  command 

of  th,   l.ke,  forces  could  be  transported  to  any  part  with  facility. 
On  the  evening  of  the  8th,  the  troops  were  landed  at  S; 

i\i!  ga.a.  1  he  next  day,  two  schooners,  under  the  command 
of  heutenant  Petrigrew,  sailed  with  a  detachment  of  one  hun- 
d  eel  men  commanded  by  captain  Morgan  of  the  Twelfth,  for  tho 
onhelke  o;"il'"^  '""''  "^/he  enemy's  stores  at  the  head 
re*  H  hr'  , ,  ?•  "r!"  ".W"^^h,  the  guard,  about  eighty  men. 
re.m>.i ,  the  [ntblic  buiiuin-s  were  burnt,  and  the  party  returned 
do  fc-''"'"''^''  portionofthe  property.  On  the  lOth.commo. 
doru  Chauaccy  sailed  to  Sackett's  Harbour,  for  the  purpose  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


Ill 


I 


Taking  of  Forts  George  and  Erie. 


leaving  the  wounded  men  and  officers,  and  of  bringing  such 
additional  force  as  could  Ix)  spared  from  that  place.  He  again 
sailed  on  the  '22d,  leaving  the  I'ci't  and  the  Fair  American  to 
watch  tlie  movements  of  the  enemy.  Two  days  aficrwards  ho 
arrived  safely  at  Niagara,  with  tln'ec  hundred  and  fifty  men  of 
colonel  Macomb's  regiment  of  artillery,  and  an  additional  num. 
ber  of  guns. 

Arrangements  were  no\  •-''nde  for  carrying  the  contemplated 
enterprise  into  immediate  execution.  Commodore  Chauncey 
liaving,  on  the  26th,  reconnoitercd  the  opposite  shore,  and  ascer- 
tained the  best  places  for  landing,  and  the  stations  for  the 
smaller  vessels  to  occupy  ;  the  next  morning  was  fixed  upon  for 
the  attack.  A  number  of  boats  were  made  ready ;  and  others, 
which  had  been  building  for  the  occasion,  were  launched  in  the 
afternoon ;  this  being  observed  by  the  enemy,  a  fire  was  open- 
ed upon  the  workmen  from  a  battery,  erected  for  the  purpose, 
nearly  opposite.  This  brought  on  a  severe  cannonade  from 
the  forts  and  batteries,  which  continued  for  some  hours,  and  in 
which  the  Americans  had  the  decided  advantage.  Fort  George 
appeared  to  suffer  considerable  injury.  The  guns  of  the  Ame- 
rican battery  were  directed  with  so  much  precision,  that  the 
halliards  of  the  flag-staff  were  shot  away,  and  the  buildings  of 
every  description  around  the  fort  were  much  damaged :  while 
the  losS'on  the  American  side  was  very  inconsiderable.  All 
the  boats  in  the  meanwhile  passed  safely  to  the  encampment  at 
Four  Mile  creek :  and  as  soon  as  it  grew  dark,  the  artillery 
was  put  on  board  the  Madison,  the  Oneida,  and  the  Lady  of  the 
Lake ;  the  troops  were  to  embark  in  the  boats  and  follow  the 
fleet.  At  three  o'clock  in  the  morning,  signal  was  made  to 
weigh  ;  but  in  consequence  of  the  calm  which  prevailed,  the 
schooners  were  obliged  to  resort  to  sweejis  to  gain  their 
stations.  These  consisted  of  the  Julia,  Growler,  Ontario, 
Governor  Tompkins,  Conquest,  Hamilton,  Asp,  and  Scourge ; 
each  within  musket  shot  of  the  shore,  and  skilfully  disposed 
to  attack  the  different  batteries,  and  cover  the  landing  of  our 
forces.  The  troops  had  now  all  embarked,  and  amounted  to 
about  four  thousand  men  ;  and  at  daybreak,  generals  Dearborno 
and  Lewis,  and  suites,  went  on  board  the  Madison.  The  ene- 
my's batteries  immediately  opened,  as  the  troops  advanced  in 
three  brigades.  The  advance  was  led  by  that  accomplished 
officer  colonel  Scott,  who  had  so  much  signalized  himself  in 
this  place  the  year  before ;  and  was  composec!  of  Forsythe's 
riflemen,  and  detachments  from  various  infantry  regiments :  it 
landed  near  the  fort,  which  had  been  silenced  by  the  Governor 
Tompkins.     General  Boyd,  to  whom  the  brigade  lately  com- 


1**11 


■m 
i 


m 


114 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Taking  of  Forts  George  and  Erin. 


rnandei  by  general  Pike  had  been  assigned,  formed  the  first 
ine,  which  was  flanked  by  the  Baltimore  and  Albany  vorun 
eers  nndcr  colonel.  M'Clure.  He  reached  the  shore  im,3- 
atey  after  the  advance  had  landed.  General  Winder  followed, 
nt  the  head  of  the  second  brigade,  and  was  closely  succeeded 
by  the  thn-d,  under  General  Chandler.  The  wind  suddenly 
sprmgmg  up  froni  the  cast,  and  producing  a  considerable 
swel  ,  the  troops  from  the  Madison  and  Oneida  could  „S 
roach  shore  untd  the  second  and  third  brigades  had  advanced ; 
■Wacomb  s  regn«ent,  and  the  marines  under  captain  Smith 
jhci-elore,  did  not  land  until  the  debarkation  had  been  com- 

The  advance  under  Scott,  consisting  of  five  hundred  men 
had  been  c.x,>osed,  on  its  approach  to  the  shore,  foan  incessant 
vol  ey  of  musketry,  l^^-om  nt  least  twelve  hundred  regulars,  sta- 
tioned ,n  n  ravme.  This  spi,-i,e.f  corps,  composed  of' the  flower 
of  the  anny,  moved  on  w.ihout  faltering,  and  briskly  returned 
the  hie  f^^-on,  the  boats.  As  they  d.-ew  near  the  shore,  a  su^ 
prising  degi-ee  of  emulation  inanifested  itself  both  amongst 
«fticers  and  so.  hers  ;  many  of  them  leaping  into  the  lake,  and 

2t7  n^.^"''^-     "^"^'t  "'"'^•"""'  ""  accomplished  yoTut 

r?n.        ^^'^  '^""'^  ""'"^"'y'  ^^^  ^''«  fi'«'  on  the  enemy's  ter? 

j^tory.    No  sooner  wero  the  troops  formed  on  the  beach,  than 

hey  were  led  to  the  cha.-ge,  and  instantly  dispersed  the  enemy 

^Z7^  l'"''"°";  '°'^  *^&"  '°  '^^  ''^^^  ^°'  shelter,  and 
othej^  seeking  refuge  in  the  fort.  The  first  xvere  briskly  as- 
sailed  by  Forsythe ;  while  the  advanced  corps  and  the  first  hX 
gade,  under  general  Boyd,  vigorously  attacked  the  latter.  The 
pij^yaihng  panic  had  seized  the  garrison,  which  made  but  a 
feeble  resistance.  Fort  Niagara,  and  the  batteries  on  the  Ame- 
ricon  sidp,  opened  at  the  same  time;  and  Fort  George  havinc 
become  unferiable.  the  Bi-itish  laid  trains  to  their  m?<.azinei! 

eim-SrV^^^'"'  ""■'"' ""'^  '-^'^^^^^^  ^^"^^  *»'^  utii  pS: 
ti^ooi  ?  I  ^^  ^  ''^r'T  ^'''^':  ^°'°"^'  '"^^o"  °nd  his  light 
troops  foNowed  closely  ,n  their  rear,  when  he  was  recalled  by 

fn  "7l?,^  o^J        Lieutenant  Riddle,  with  his  party,  not  receiv- 

S.I5  '  f"."*^"''^  ^^^  ^"^'"y  «''"o«*  '°  Queensto«n,  and 

picked  up  a  number  of  stragglers.     The  light  troops  took  pos- 

session^  Fort  George;  captains  Hindman  and  Stockton  en. 

mno^f!,'"   ''rr"^  rxfi/iguishmg  the  fire  intended  to  explode  the 

Tr/nrT'  I  r     ^T'"''  ^V'y '-^^^  «  '"^tch  at  the  imminent  haz- 

nnin..^r  fu  ^''"^'■^'  ?°>'^  ""^  '-"'«"^'  Scott  mounted  the 
J  ui[H.  lortfiG  purpose  01  cutting  away  the  staff;  but  Hind- 
man  succeeded  in  taking  the  flag,  which  he  forwarded  to  gene. 
m  IJcurborDc.     The  American  ensiga  was  then  immediately 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


lift 


Tuking  of  Fortii  Ocnrgn  and  Eric. 


hoisted ;  and  tlic  troops  ordered  in  and  quartered.  At  twelve 
o'clocii  the  whole  of  tlio  J3ritish  fortilicutions  on  this  shore 
from  Fort  George  to  Fort  Erie  inclusive,  were  in  the  quiet 
possession  of  the  Americans,  'I'he  enemy  had  moved  off  with 
Buch  rapidity,  that  in  a  short  time  nothing  more  of  them  was 
to  be  seen ;  and  our  troops,  having  been  eleven  hours  under 
arms,  were  too  much  fatigued  to  pursue  tliem  far.  The  loss 
of  the  Britisli  in  this  affair,  considering  the  time  during  which 
the  contest  lasted,  was  very  considerable.  There  were  one 
hundred  and  eight  killed,  and  one  hundred  and  sixty  wounded, 
who  fell  into  our  hand.s:  besides  which,  one  hundred  and 
fifteen  regulars,  and  five  hundred  militia,  were  taken  prisoners. 
The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  thirty-nine  killed,  and  one 
hundred  and  eight  wounded:  among  the  Ibrmer,  lieutenant 
Hobart  of  the  light  artillery  ;  and  of  the  latter,  major  King  of 
the  Thirteenth,  captains  Arrowsmith  of  the  Sixth,  Steel  of  the 
Sixteenth,  Roach  of  the  Twenty-third  (who  had  been  wounded 
the  year  before  at  the  heights  of  Queenstown,  and  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  captain  for  his  good  conduct  on  that  occasion), 
and  lieutenant  Swearingcn  of  the  rifle  corps.  The  Forty-ninth 
British  regiment,  the  Invincibles,  was  in  this  affair,  and  its  com- 
mander, colonel  Myers,  wounded  and  taken  prisoner.  The  ac- 
tion, notwithstanding,  was  fought  on  the  American  side  with 
inferior  numbers ;  the  advance,  and  part  of  Boyd's  brigade, only, 
having  been  actually  engaged.  Shortly  afler  the  surrender  of 
the  fort,  the  lake  became  so  rough  as  to'  render  the  situation  of 
the  fleet  somewhat  dangerous.  Commodore  Chauncey,  there- 
fore, found  it  necessary  to  weigh ;  and  proceeding  up  the  river, 
chose  a  place  of  safety  between  the  two  forts,  where  he  an 
chored. 

High  praise  was  given,  both  by  the  commodore  and  general 
Dearborne,  to  the  forces  under  their  respective  commands 
Scott  and  Boyd  were  particularly  mentioned.  The  commander 
in-chief  also  acknowledged  himself  much  indebted  to  colonel 
Porter,  of  the  light  artillery,  to  major  Armistead,  of  the  Third 
regiment  of  artillery,  and  to  captain  Totten  of  the  engineers, 
for  their  skill  in  demolishing  the  enemy's  forts  and  batteries. 
We  here  find  the  first  mention  of  the  hero  of  Lake  Erie,  lieu- 
tenant-commandant  Oliver  H.  Perrv,  who  had  volunteered  his 
assistance  on  the  night  of  the  26th,  and  liad  rendered  good 
service  in  the  arrangement  and  debarkation  of  the  troops. 
Much  of  the  success  of  this  gallant  enterprise  was  attributable 
to  the  judicious  plan  of  commodore  Chauncey,  in  attacking  the 
diflferent  batteries  of  the  enemy  with  his  vessels,  and  rendering 
them  untenable.     General  Dearborne  had  been  much  indis- 


H 


lie 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Battle  of  Stony  Creek. 


posed  ;  but  ho  rdusccl  to  yield  the  command  of  the  e.xnedition 
and  issued  his  orders  (Vom  his  bod. 

Rlh'l?"[f 'T"  'X''"L''"'  '^'^^P"'^-''^'''.  tlic  day  nflcr  tiic  bnttle,  to 
Bad  Rock,  with  bOy  men,  for  the  purpose  of  taking  live  ves- 
sols  o  Lne  as  soon  as  possible,  and  also  of  preparin-'  the 
s.luadron  at  that  p  ace,  to  commence  op-rulions,  in  conjunction 
with  general  Harrison,  by  the  15th  of  Juno. 

A  lew  days  arterwards,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy 
under  general  Vincent,  had  retired  to  the  Beaver  Dams,  and 
lormcd  a  junction  with  the  command  of  licutcnant-colonel 
fva   1  rT  H  """n  ^''f  ""'^   ^'l^iPi'cwa.      The  day  afier  this 

Z\JTf  n  ^'•'"^'^  ^'""''''■"'  '■^^"■^••^'^'^  ''=^=^'"7  'o  «he  upper 
end  of  Lake  Ontario  and  took  a  position  on  the  heights  a    he 

evro.d    ^h     "^''T  ^'''>'-     1^'^  '""'•'•^'  ''  ''■''  «"PP«-^<'^d.  did  no' 

detached,    1^    the   commander-in-chief,   in   pursuit,   with   his 

div°l  1 .  h'Ik""  '"""Y  '^'''"'y  ^^^''^  ^'•^«'^'  ""  •!>«  second 
day  s  match,  the  gencml  received  information,  that  the  enemy 

had  been  reinlorccd  by  several  hundred  men  from  Kingston ; 

that    his    force,    besides    Indians,   and    a    few  militia    mi-rh 

amount  to  filleen  hundred  men:  he,  in  eonseque^e, 'tll^h 

add-on  "ir"  '^'V^  "".  °'^'^^'-  '"^  ^^'"^'•"l  0^«rborne  for  an 
additional  force;  that  under  his  command  not  exceeding  twelve 

BurnrilTr  '■^'  "'''"f,"  °^^'"«  ^™S°°"«  under  "colonel 
marc  ;  tn  P  ^'a??  '  "•""  '"'y.-  "'^^  nevertheless  continued  his 
march  to  Forty  Mile  creek,  where,  selecting  a  good  position  he 

sSTof  Ph'^i!  for  the  expected  reinforc'-emfnt.  Vhircon- 
sistn  g  of  Chandler's  brigade,  in  a  short  time  arrived,  after  a 

SumTd^lhe  L^tnr "'  ^'""''••'  '^'"^  ''^  ^^"'°^  °^-' 

cai?e"d  ^IZ'^r  ^T  "k  ""'^u'*^  ''"'■"^  proceeded  to  a  rivulet 
called   S  ony  Creek,  where  they  encamped,    having    in    the 

TZ:V^f-  ''rr  ^'^'^'"'^'^^''  ■  'h,'anddriven^ack  Ee 
adv  nee  parties  of  the  enemy.     In  o.  uor  to  secure  the  baggage 

Thp  inl.  T'  '''"'f  ''^'^  ^^^'^'^  ^^"^^y^''  '"  batteaux  along 
tLl^  '■'  ^°'°"^''  ^''"'"■^  «"d  Boerstler,  with   their 

dntLh  7.  ''!Sr^"'«'  fhe  Thirteenth  and  Fourteenth,  were 
detached,  to  take  a  position  at  the  distance  of  two  miles  from 

from  Rm';,-  ^'  p"  "^^  T^'  °^  '«"d  which  divides  the  lake 
from  Budington  Bay,  and  on  the  road  from  Fort  Georpe  to 

lr-?u  ^^;"S«f""-  The  distance  of  the  main  body  of  the 
British  was  about  eight  miles. 

on  <?t««^  r-  '"i   '    ,"    y  S^^',^<^^  Cmmdier  was  a  Jiigii  bank 

Tl^u^  f  ^ '■  °".  ^^^  ''PP°'''«  «'d«  o^  the  stream  there  was 
a  small  meadow,  and  the  bank  was  much  lower.  He  halted  im 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


117 


ii 


Battle  of  Stony  Creek. 


mediately  on  the  rood,  ns  tlio  centre  of  his  encamjjment.  Tho 
Fil'tli,  n  small  dotuclimcnt  of  llie  Twcnty-third,  and  one  company 
of  the  Sixfeenlh  infantry,  occiii>icd  a  height,  a  short  distance  to 
the  loll.  The  object  of  this  was  to  prevent,  in  case  of  a  nicht 
attack,  tho  occupation  of  ground  which  commanded  the  road  ; 
while,  at  tho  same  time,  the  troops  stationed  there  could,  with 
facility,  be  wheeled  into  lino  with  the  Twenty-fiilh,  along  the 
high  bank  of  the  creek.  Tlie  light  artillery  of  captains  Tow- 
son  and  Leonard,  were  posted  immediately  to  the  right  of  the 
last  mentioned  regiment,  so  as  to  command  the  road  in  tho 
direction  of  the  enemy.  The  cavalry,  under  colonel  Burns, 
were  placed  in  tho  rear,  to  be  ready  at  a  moment's  warning. 
A  guard  of  eighty  or  a  hundred  men  was  posted  a  quarter  of'a 
mile  in  advance,  at  a  wooden  chapel  on  the  road  side.  In  other 
respects  the  usual  precautions  were  taken. 

The  situation  of  the  British  army  was  almost  hopeless.  T^ 
contend  openly  with  the  superior  force  of  the  Americans,  wis 
out  of  the  question.  No  possibility  of  escape  remained  but 
by  marching  through  the  thinly  inhabited  country  towards 
Detroit,  and  joining  general  Proctor ;  or  attempting  the  fortune 
of  a  night  attack.  The  first,  in  their  present  deficiency  of 
supplies,  was  considered  almost  impracticable  :  the  latter  was, 
therefore,  resolved  upon.  The  existence  of  this  alternative 
could  not  have  escaped  the  penetration  of  the  American  gene- 
rals ;  and  therefore  the  necessity  of  the  utmost  precaution.  To 
the  ultimate  character  of  the  campaign,  the  capture  of  the 
British  would  he  of  the  greatest  importance :  as  the  necessary 
consequence,  the  contest  to  the  westward  would  terminate,  for 
it  would  no  longer  b'  possible  for  Proctor  to  ^>old  out,  after  his 
communication  with  the  lower  provinces  had  been  cut  off. 

Until  late  in  the  evening,  the  soldiers  of  the  Twenty-fifth  had 
occupied  the  meadow  ground  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  creek, 
where  they  had  kindled  fires  for  the  purpose  of  cooking ;  but 
towards  midnight  they  were  witlidrawn  to' the  position  as'signed 
them  on  tho  brow  of  the  high  bank.  This  precaution  had  well 
nigh  proved  fruitless,  from  the  negligence  and  misconduct  of 
the  main  guard.  Several  of  the  sentinels  in  advance  were  si- 
lently bayoneted  by  the  enemy,  who,  unmolested,  pushed  a  co- 
lumn  of  seven  or  eight  hundred  men  past  the  chapel :  our  guard 
must  have  been  buried  in  sleep,  since  not  a  shot  wf»s  fired. 
On  approaching  the  fires  made  by  the  Twenty.fifth,and  which 
had  not  yet  been  extinguished,  the  enemy  rais«d-a  tremendous 
Indian  yell,  expecting  no  doubt  to  bayonet  the  Americans, 
whom  they  supposed  to  be  asleep  a  few  paces  from  them. 
1  his  yell  was  most  fortunate  for  the  Americans,  who  were 


BHACKENRIDGE'S 


Baiile  of  Stony  L,«<».......Cuptufe  of  Oenerali  Chandler  «nd  Wlndor. 

irvHimntly  roused  on  the  om.  -ito  bank!  Tim  Twenty-Mh 
had  lain  on  tlicir  nrms,  and  uisl/intlv  commciK^cd  n  licuvv  <ire 
on  tlio  Mntish,  wlio  wc-ro  revealed  by  tiic  (iroH  wliicli  had  do- 
udi'd  then,.  {^.,ioral  Winder,  who  commanded  tlin  troops  on 
the  lolt  ol  the  road,  sucy  '-eded  in  a  lew  moments  in  statiunin<T 
Ihn  greater  part  of  th(MW  '>n  the  edge  of  the  creek,  to  the  let! 
ot  the  arldlery,  and  Joined  his  fire  with  that  of  the  Twenty- 
tilth,  which  was  by  this  time  returned  by  the  enemy,  thou-h 
with  httln  eirect.  In  twenty  minutes  the  tiring  on  the  part  of 
tiiO  British  ceased  ;  and  as  they  had  become  invisible  aller  pass- 
inir  the  fires,  the  night  beiMg  excessively  dark,  it  was  uncertain 
whether  they  had  retired,  or  meant,  under  cover  of  the  dark- 
ness,  to  charge  with  the  bayonet.  Thefiruig  on  the  part  of  the 
Americans  was  ordered  to  cease  ;  and  arrangements  were  rapid- 
ly  made  to  repel  an  attack.  At  this  moment  some  shots  in  the 
rear  of  the  army  induced  the  general,  who  was  apprehensive 
tliat  an  attempt  might  also  be  made  in  that  quarter,  to  order 
one  ol  the  regiments  to  face  about,  and  take  such  a  position 
as  would  enable  him  to  meet  it,  whether  made  on  flank  or  rear. 
Whilst  general  Chanaler  was  directing  these  movements  on  the 
right,  his  horse  lell  under  him.  Aller  recovering  soiiicwhat 
Jiom  the  fall,  which  had  stunned  him,  he  attempted  to  walk 

w^"r  u'"i  ''''"^'■'''  "^''*''  ""^  ""illcry,  where  he  and  general 
VVinoer  had  met  irom  time  to  time,  to  receive  and  communicate 
in,ormation  and  orders.  Tti  the  meantime,  favoured  by  the 
excessive  darkness,  which  nd  been  increased  by  the  smoke, 
the  enemy  stole  along  the  road  unpcrceived,  and  minolinfr  with 
the  American  artillerists,  drove  them  from  their  pieces.  At  the 
same  moment  general  Chandler,  being  surrounded  by  them, 
was  taken  prisoner. 

General  Winder,  in  returning  from  maintaining  the  disposi- 
tions on  the  left,  met  with  a  part  of  the  Sixteenth,  which  had 
either  never  readied  its  position,  or  had  fallen  back,  and  was 
posting  It  to  protect  the  artillery,  when,  discovering  some  con- 
tusion there,  he  rushed  forward  to  ascertain  the  cause,  and  was 
made  prisoner  in  attempting  to  turn  back  what  he  supposed  to 
be  the  American  artillerists.  The  British  finding  two  pieces 
liml)ered,  drove  them  off,  overturned  one  or  two  rr,  >  ,  rut'  th^n 
retreated  with  precipitation  ind  disorder.  Before  o!eur  duy. 
light  they  had  covered  themselves  from  the  view  f  \h<-  \,:.  X 
cans  by  a  wood.  General  Vincent,  the  British  comi.ianuer,  was 
thrown  from  his  horse,  and  did  not  rejoin  his  troops  until  even- 
mg,  almost  exhausted  with  fatigue.  Several  gallant  efforts 
were  made  by  the  American  troops,  to  recover  the  artillery, 
l^ieutenont  W.   M'Donough    prevented  the  capture  of  one 


tbrin 
tiuy. 


Battle  uf  Btony  Creek, 


another ;  those  ofliccra,  as 
I  Milton,  aii  '  f-aptnina  Hind- 
were  highly  cohiplinfirntcd  in 


pipcp,  and  lieutenant   M'Chcsney 
well  as  colonel  lliirn  nnd  colon 
man,  Archer,  Steel  and  Leonard, 
general  orders. 

The  American  loss  was  sixteen  kilh  ,  und  thirt\. eight 
wounded ;  and  two  brigadiers,  one  major,  three  captains,  und 
ninety-four  men  missing.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  was  much 
more  fcuverc,  particularly  in  oflicers ;  one  hundred  prisoners 
were  taken.  HIamo  was  attached  to  general  Chandler,  who 
commnn.''  d,  and  also  to  general  Winder:  to  the  former  with 
very  liulo  reason  ;  and  to  the  latter  with  still  less  justice,  as 
I  ■•  only  met  with  such  misfortune  as  the  bravest  and  most  pru- 
dent arc  subject  to.  Had  the  enemy  been  immediately  pursued, 
there  is  little  doubt  they  would  have  fallen  into  our  hands; 
but  colonel  Burn,  who  now  commanded,  after  consultation  with 
Ihe  ollicers,  judged  it  most  prudent  to  fall  back  on  Forty  Mile 
creek.  Here  ho  was  joined  by  colonel  Miller's  regiment, 
which  had  been  sent  to  guard  the  boats;  and  generals  Lewis 
and  Boyd :  the  former  of  whom  now  assumed  the  command. 

The  British  claimed  in  this  afiair  a  splendid  victory.  The 
accidental  capture  of  the  American  generals  would  seem  to  give 
it  the  appearance  of  one;  but  in  the  action  they  were  certainly 
beaten  with  great  loss.  Their  object,  however,  was  effected 
by  the  attack,  though  not  to  the  extent  which  they  had  ex- 
pected. 

A  flag  having  been  sent  into  our  camp  under  pretence  of 
obtaini'ig  information  of  the  killed  and  wounded,  and  permission 
to  bury  the  dead,  but  in  reality  to  procure  information  ;  general 
Vincent  immediately  despatched  a  messenger  to  sir  James  Yeo, 
advising  him  of  the  position  of  the  Americans.  On  the  8th,  sir 
James,  with  his  squadron,  appeared  abreast  of  the  encampment, 
and  within  a  mile  of  the  shore.  He  attempted  to  destroy  tho 
boats,  and  warped  in  a  large  schooner  for  the  purpose ;  but 
captains  Archer  and  Towson,  hastily  constructing  a  furnace, 
opened  a  fire  with  hot  shot,  which  compelled  him  to  haul 
off.  A  party  of  Indians  now  appeared  upon  the  brow  of  the 
moantain,  but  \\<Te  soon  dislodged  by  lieutenant  Eldridge,  who 
gained  :';ie  summit  with  a  few  volunteers,  in  advance  of  the 
detachment  which  was  ordered  for  the  pjipose.  Sir  James 
demanded  a  surrender,  with  the  usual  story  of  Indians  in  the 
rear,  a  fleet  in  front,  and  regulars  on  the  flanks ;  but  this  artifice 
had  grown  stale,  and  could  be  played  off  no  longer.  Orders 
having  been  received  from  General  Dearborne,  for  the  army  to 
return  to  Fort  George,  the  greater  part  of  the  camp  equipage 
and  baggage  wei«  put  in  boats.     These  wer«  intercepted  by  an 


1  _ 

a 


120 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


British  attack  Sackett's  Harbour. 


armed  schooner  of  the  enemy,  and  twelve  of  them  taken.  The 
army  broke  jp  its  encampment  about  ten  o'clock,  and  took  up 
Its  march  for  Fort  George,  harassed  nearly  the  whole  way  by 
Indians,  who  hung  upon  its  flank. 

The  movements  of  general  Dearborne  against  the  British 
fortifications  on  the  Niagara,  had  well  nigh  cost  him  dear. 
The  British,  having  obtained  information  of  it,  resolved  to  seize 
the  opportunity  of  the  absence  of  our  troops  and  fleet,  to  at- 
tack Sackett's  Harbour.     They  well  knew  the  importance  to 
us  of  this  place.     It  was  the  depository  of  all  our  naval  and  mili 
tary  stores;  both  those  captured  at  York,  and  those  which  had 
been  collecting  for  a  year  with  a  view  to  the  operations  against 
Canada.     Its  convenient  locality  had  caused  it  to  be  selected  as 
the  place  at  which  to  fit  out  our  navies  of  f  ■?  lake ;  and  great 
quantities  of  timber  and  other  materials  wt  .^  here  collected  for 
the  construction  of  vessels.     The  new  ship,  the  General  Pike, 
was  on  the  stocks,  nearly  ready  to  be  launched,  and  the  prize, 
the  Gloucester,  lay  in  the   harbour.      No  time  was   lost  in 
carrying  into  efl^ect  this   important   enterprise.     Sir  George 
Prevost  selected  a  thousand  of  his  best  men,  and  embarked  them 
on  board  the  fleet  under  commodore  James  Yeo.     Scarcely  had 
commodore  Chauncey  arrived  at   Niagara,  when  sir  James 
showed   himself  ofl"  the  harbour,  with  the  Wolf,  the  Royal 
George,  the  Prince  Regent,  the  Earl  Moira,  and  some  smaller 
vessels.     The  small  vessels  under  lieutenant  Chauncey,  placed 
to  give  notice  of  the  enemy's  approach,  espied  the  squadron, 
on  the  27th,  and  hastened  to  the  harbour,  firing  guns  of  alarm. 
This  was    immediately  followed    by  the  alarm"^  guns  on  the 
shore,  to  bring  in  the  militia,  and  to  give  notice  to  such  regu- 
lars as  might  be  near  enough  to  hear  them.    Lieutenant-colonel 
Backus,  of  the  dragoons,  had   been  left  in  command  of  the 
place  ;  but  in  case  of  attack,  general  Brown,  then  at  his  resi- 
dence, eight  miles  ofl;  was  requested  to  take  the  command, 
although  his  brigade  of  militia  had  retired  to  their  homes,  their 
term  of  service  having  expired.      The  whole  of  our  regular 
force  consisted  of  a  few  seamen,  lieutenant  Fanning's  artillery, 
and  about  two  hundred  invalids,  not  exceeding  in  the  whole  five 
hundred  men ;  and  colonel  Mills's  Albany  volunteers  and  some 
militia,  amounting  to  about  five  hundred  more.     On  the  28th, 
the  enemy  was  seen  at  the  distance  of  about  five  miles,  and 
seemed  to  be  standing  for  the  harbour,  when  a  fleet  of  Ameri- 
can barges  was  discovered  comin"  round  Nnrth  Point    '••it'' 
troops  from  Oswego.     Their  attention  was  now  occupied  by 
these,  and  they  succeeded  in  cutting  off"  twelve  of  them  ;  and 
taking  It  for  granted  that  there  were  many  more,  they  stood  off 


iken.  The 
id  took  up 
)le  way  by 

the  British 
him  dear, 
ed  to  seize 
leet,  to  at- 
)ortance  to 
il  and  mili 
which  had 
ns  against 
selected  as 
and  great 
illected  for 
leral  Pike, 
the  prize, 
is   lost  in 
ir  George 
rked  them 
ircely  had 
sir  James 
he  Royal 
e  smaller 
3y,  placed 
squadron, 
of  alarm. 
IS  on  the 
jch  regu- 
nt-colonel 
nd  of  the 
his  resi- 
onimand, 
Ties,  their 
r  regular 
artillery, 
rvhole  five 
and  some 
the  28th, 
liles,  and 
r  Ameri- 
lint,  with 
upied  by 
em ;  and 
stood  oif 


mili 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


121 


British  attack  Sackett'8  Harbour— repulged  by  General  Brown. 


a.l  the  day,  with  a  view  of  intercepting  them.     In  the  mean- 
while  general  Brown  was  diligently  occupied  in  arrangements 
for  the  defence  of  the  place,  in  making  which  he  discovered 
much  judgment.     But  a  small  part  of  the  ground  adjacent  to 
the  village  was  cleared,  the  rest  being  surrounded  by  woods. 
At  the  only  point  of  landing,  a  battery  and  breast-work  were 
hastily  constructed,  and  the  militia  placed  behind  them  ready 
to  receive  the  enemy  as  they  landed,  and  to  open  a  fire  upon 
them  in  conjunction  with  the  artillery.    The  regular  troops,  and 
the  light  artillery,  were  stationed  in  a  second  line,  nearer  the 
barracks  and  public  buildings.     On  the  approach  of  the  ene- 
my's boats,  which  were  commanded  by  Sir  George  Prevost  in 
person,  a  well  directed  fire,  which  had  been  reserved  until  then, 
compelled  them  to  pause;  and  several  officers  and  men  were  seen 
to  fall.     Encouraged  by  this  fire,  our  militia  were  engaged  in 
loading  a  second  time,  with  the  artillery  to  sustain  them  ,°when 
suddenly  they  were  seized  by  some  unaccountable  panic ;  a  panic 
to  which  corps  composed  of  the  bravest  men  individually  are  lia- 
ble on  being  engaged  for  the  first  time  ;  and  fled  in  confusion. 
Their  officers  in  vain  attempted  to  rally  them ;  and  their  brave 
commander,  colonel  Mills,  in  attempting  to  effect  it,  was  shot 
dead  from  his  horse.    The  enemy  now  landed  with  little  opposi  • 
tion,  and,  having  formed,  advanced  to  the  barracks,  but  were  for 
a  moment  checked  by  a  vigorous  attack  from  a  party  of  infantr> 
under  major  Aspinwall,  and  the  dismounted  dragoons  undev 
major  Laval.     These  were  compelled,  by  numbers,  to  retreat 
A  sharp  conflict  now  commenced  with  the  regulars  and  artil- 
lery  under  colonel  Backus;    which  retired  gradually,  taking 
possession  of  the  houses  and  barracks,  and  thence  continuing 
to  annoy  the  enemy.  The  colonel,  about  this  time,  fell,  severely 
wounded.      Shortly  after   the   flight  of  the   militia,   genera. 
Brown  succeeded  in  rallying  the  company  of  captain  M'Nitt, 
about  ninety  in  number :  with  this  he  assailed  the  rear  of  the 
British,  and  in  his  own  words,  "  did  some  execution."     Find- 
ing that  there  was  now  little  hope  of  repelling  an  enemy  s-^ 
superior  in  force,  and  every  moment  gaining  ground,  he  resort- 
ed to  a  ruse  de  guerre;  a  considerable  part'^of  the  militia,  now 
ashamed  of  their  panic,  having  collected  near  the  scene  of  ac 
tion,  he  instantly  formed  them,  and   marched   them   silently 
through  the  woods,  so  as  to  be  discovered  ly  the  enemy.     Oii 
which,  sir  George  Prevost,  believing  that  his  rear  was  about  to 
,,0  r\!f  off,  ordered  a  retreat,  which  became  a  precipitate  flight  to 
the  boats,  and  left  all  his  wounded  and  a  number  of  prisoners 
The  resistance  at  the  barracks  had  been  exceedingly  obst;: 
nate:  a  destructive  fire  was  poured  from  the  buildines,  whi.ja 


1 


if! 

ii 
■  i 


122 


BRACKliNRlDUE'S 


British  attack  Sackutt's  Ilarbaur— repulsed  by  General  Brown. 


lieutenant  Fanning,  thougli  severely  wounded,  still  directed  one 
not  less  so  from  his  piece  of  artillery.  Captain  Gray,  a  valua- 
ble British  otficer,  and  an  accomplished  gentleman,  was  shot  by 
a  small  boy,  a  drummer,  who  snatched  up  a  musket  and  fired 
at  him,  as  he  was  advancing  at  the  head  of  a  column,  to  storm 
one  of  the  barracks.  This  boy,  who  was  an  American,  had 
served  him  in  his  kitchen,  and  on  the  war  breaking  out,  had 
returned  home  :  ho  now  approached  his  former  master  while 
in  liis  last  agonies,  and  owned  that  he  had  shot  him.  Captain 
Gray  generously  Ibrgave  him,  and  with  a  nobleness  of  soul  of 
which  there  are  but  too  few  examples,  took  out  his  watch 
and  presented  it  to  him  with  these  words,  "  My  brave  little  fel- 
low, you  have  done  well."  It  is  delightful  to  read  such  traits 
even  in  an  enemy  :  whether  the  boy  deserved  this  encomium 
is  a  matter  to  be  settled  by  casuists. 

During  the  battle,  information  having  been  communicated  to 
lieutenant  Chauncey,  that  our  troops  had  been  defeated,  he  im- 
mediately, according  to  orders  previously  received,  set  fire  to 
the  public  store  houses  ;  and  the  fire  was  not  extinguished  un- 
til considerable  damage  had  been  done.  The  loss  of  the  Ame- 
ricans in  this  affair  was,  one  colonel  of  volunteers,  twenty  regu- 
lars, and  one  volunteer,  killed  ;  one  lieutenant-colonel,  three 
lieutenants  and  one  ensign,  and  seventy-nine  men,  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  privates,  of  the  regulars,  wounded ;  and  twen- 
ty-six missing.  The  loss  of  the  enemy  amounted  to  three  field 
officers,  two  captains,  and  twenty  rank  and  file,  found  dead  upon 
the  ground ;  two  captains,  and  twenty  rank  and  file,  wounded  ; 
besides  those  killed  and  wounded  in  the  boats,  and  carried  away 
previous  to  the  retreat.  On  the  same  evening,  lieutenant-colo- 
nel Tuttle  arrived,  afier  a  forced  march  of  forty  miles,  with 
about  six  hundred  men  ;  and  other  reinforcements  were  rapidly 
coming  in  from  every  quarter. 

Notwithstanding  this,  a  modest  demand  to  surrender  was 
made  by  sir  George  Prevost,  which  he  soon  afier  as  modestly 
changed  into  a  request  that  the  killed  and  wounded  in  our  hands 
should  be  respectfully  attended  to;  in  answer  to  which  he 
received  satisfactory  assurances.  On  his  return  to  Kingston, 
he  issued  a  vaunting  proclamation,  in  which  he  announced  a 
splendid  victory,  which  no  one  believed.  The  injury  inflicted 
on  us  was  certainly  considerable,  but  fell  far  short  of  the  object 
of  this  expedition  ;  and  that  the  enemy  was  compelled  precipi- 
tately to  retreat,  he  could  not  pretend  to  denv.  Gorscral  Brown 
received  and  deserved  applause  for  his  conduct  on  this  occasion  : 
he  here  laid  the  groundwork  of  his  military  celebrity 

Shortly  aficr  this  aflxiir,  commodore  Chauncey  refurned  with 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


123 


negjgnation  of  Dearborne  . .  Town  of  Sodus  attacked  . .  Affair  at  Beaver  Damg. 


his  squadron  ;  and  general  Lewis,  taking  command  of  the  place 
set    about    repairing  the  buildings    and    public   store  houses; 
i  while  general  Dearborne,  whose  increasing  indisposition  dis- 

qualified him  for  active  command,  retired  from  service,  Icavint^ 
colonel  Boyd  in  command  of  Fort  George.  ° 

On  the  IGth  of  June,  lieutenant  Chauncey,  who  had  been 
ordered  to  cruise  off  Presque  Isle  with  tjie  Lady  of  the  Lake, 
captured  the  Lady  Muvray.'with  some  officers  and  privates,  be- 
sides a  quantify  of  military  stores. 

About  the  same  time,  a  devastating  and  plundering  party 
of  the  British  made  an  attack  on  the  Village  of  Sodus^  where 
some  public  stores  were  deposited.  On  their  approach,  these 
were  concealed  in  the  woods,  until  the  militia  could  be  assembled 
to  defend  them.  The  British,  exasperated  at  their  disapnoint- 
ment,  set  fire  to  all  the  valuable  buildings  in  the  town,  destroyed 
the  private  property  of  individuals,  and  were  only  induced"  to 
desist  from  the  entire  destruction  of  the  place,  on  the  stipula- 
tion of  the  inhabitants  to  deliver  the  public  stores  at  the  wharf. 
The  militia  soon  afler  appearing,  the  Britsh  were  compelled 
to  decamp  with  the  booty  they  had  already  collected.  They 
made  a  second  attempt  a  kw  days  afterwards,  but  were  pre- 
vented from  landing  by  the  appearance  of  the  militia.  This 
marauding  expedition  had  no  pretext  of  retaliation  to  cover  it. 

Shortly  af>er,  an  affair  of  some  moment  took  place  at  Beaver 
Dams,  in  which  our  arms  again  experienced  a  severe  reverse. 
A  detachment  of  our  troops  had  been  ordered  out  for  the  purpose 
of  dislodging  the  enemy  at  La  Goose's  house,  about  seventeen 
miles  from  Fort  George,  where  they  had  been  stationed  for  some 
time,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  two  other  parties  of  them  still 
more  formidable,  but  which  were  both  nearer  to  Fort  George. 
Lieutenant-colonel  Boerstler  was  selected  to  command  it.  The 
expedition  had  no  rational  object,  was  dangerous,  and  ill-judged. 
The  Americans  had  not  proceeded  more  than  half  way,  when 
Indians  were  seen  skulking  across  the  wood  in  their  rear :  a 
camp  of  several  hundred  of  these  lay  between  them  and  the  point 
to  which  they  were  going.  The  Indians  now  made  an  attack 
from  the  adjoining  woods ;  and  although  at  last  compelled  to  fly, 
they  kept  up  the  fight  long  enough  for  Uie  British  parties  to  come 
up  to  thoir  assistance  on  all  sides.  Colonel  Boerstler  made  a 
brave  resistance,  which  he  continued  until  his  ammunition  was 
nearly  expended,  and  a  third  f.f  his  detachment  placed  hors  de 
cnvihat.  His  rear  vvas  assailed  by  a  large  body  of  British  und 
Indians ;  and  no  way  of  retreat  remaining  but  by  cutting  his  way 
through  the  enemy,  he  proposed  a  charge  upon  them.  He  had 
been  twice  summoned  to  surrender;  and  on  consultation  with 


I'll 

I 


134 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Lieutenant  £ldridgo  . .  Indians  token  into  the  Service  . .  British  atla'k  Black  Hock. 

his  officers,  it  was  agreed  to  capitulate  under  stipulations  similar 
to  those  made  by  general  Winchester,  and  which  were  but  little 
better  respected. 

A  few  days  afier  this,  the  British,  having  been  greatly  rein- 
forced by  general  De  Rottenburgh,  invested  the  American 
camp;  general  Vincent  was  stationed  at  Burlington  heights, 
and  De  Rottenburgh  at  Ten  Mile  creek. 

The  New  York  volunteers  were  detained  at  the  head  of  the 
lake,  contrary  to  their  parol,  and  on  the  12th  were  ordered  to 
Kingston  ;  but  on  the  way,  a  number  cflected  their  escape. 

During  the  remainder  of  this  and  the  succeeding  months,  a 
war  of  posts  was  kept  up  between  the  two  armies.  On  the 
8th  of  July,  a  severe  skirmish  was  brought  on,  in  which  nearly 
the  whole  force  on  each  side  was  engaged,  without  any  thing 
of  moment  resulting  from  it.  An  incident,  however,  occurred, 
which  exasperated  the  Americans  to  a  greater  degree  than  any 
thing  which  had  transpired  during  the  war  in  this  quarter. 
Lieutenant  Eldridge,  a  gallant  and  accomplished  youth,  with 
about  forty  men,  was  drawn  by  his  impetuosity  too  far,  and  was 
surrounded  by  British  and  Indians.  The  greater  part  resisted 
until  they  were  killed ;  but  lieutenant  Eldridge,  and  ten  others, 
were  taken  prisoners,  and  never  afterwards  heard  of.  The  bo- 
dies of  the  slain  were  treated  in  the  most  shocking  manner  by  the 
Indians ;  their  heads  were  split  open,  and  their  hearts  torn  out,  by 
those  monsters,  the  allies  of  a  Christian  king !  General  Boyd, 
considering  the  forbearance  hitherto  practised  in  declining  the 
aid  of  Indian  allies  as  no  longer  justifiable,  and  by  way  of  pre- 
venting a  recurrence  of  ihese  barbarities  of  the  British  Indians, 
accepted  the  services  of  four  hundred  warriors  of  the  Seneca 
nation,  under  Young  Cornplanter,  or  Henry  O'Beal,  an  Indian, 
educated  at  one  of  our  colleges,  but  who,  on  his  return,  had 
resumed  the  blanket.  It  was,  however,  positively  stipulated, 
that  the  unresisting  and  defenceless  should  not  be  hurt,  and 
that  no  scalps  should  be  taKen ;  a  stipulation  which  was  abided 
by  during  the  whole  war. 

On  the  11th  of  July,  u  force  of  two  hundred  of  the  enemy 
crossed  the  Niagara,  and  attacked  Black  Rock  ;  the  militia  sta- 
tioned there  at  lirst  lied,  but  soon  returning,  with  a  reinforce- 
ment of  regulars  and  Indians,  compelled  them  to  fly  to  their 
boats,  with  the  loss  of  nine  of  their  men  killed,  and  their  com- 
mander, colonel  Bishop,  mortally  wounded. 

On  the  3Rth  of  July,  a  second  expedition  was  undertaken 
against  York,  which  had  been  re-captured  by  the  enemy  afler 
the  battle  of  Stony  Point.  Three  hundred  rpen,  under  colonel 
Scott,  embarked  in  commodore  Chauncey's  fleet,  and  suddenly 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


185 


■»'•; ' 


Second  taking  of  York  ....  British  devastate  the  Borders  of  Lake  Champtain. 


landing  at  that  ])lacc,  destroyed  the  pubhc  stores  and  property, 
released  a  number  of  colonel  Boerstlcr's  men,  and  returned 
to  Sackctt's  Harbour,  with  a  trifling  loss. 

Tlie  British,  who  were  at  this  time  pursuing  a  system  of 
devastation  along  our  seaboard,  which  will  be  recounted  in  the 
next  chapter,  v.ere  at  the  same  time  engaged  in  laying  waste 
the  country  on  the  borders  of  Lake  Champlain.  A  small  navy 
had  been  set  on  foot  by  both  sides,  on  this  lake,  in  the  begin- 
ning of  the  year ;  but  that  of  the  United  States  was  thus  fai 
less  prosperous  than  that  of  the  enemy.  The  whole  Americai 
force,  on  this  lake,  consisted  of  a  few  armed  barges,  some  gui. 
boats,  and  two  schooners,  the  Growler  and  Eagle,  under  lieu- 
tenant Sydney  Smith.  In  the  beginning  of  July,  the  schooners 
were  attacked  near  the  entrance  of  this  lake  into  the  St.  Law- 
rence, and  after  a  severe  resistance  of  three  hours,  against  a 
very  superior  force,  were  compelled  to  surrender.  The  British, 
being  now  masters  of  the  lake,  cruised  along  its  borders,  land- 
ing in  various  places,  and  committing  many  depredations  on 
the  property  of  the  inhabitants.  On  the  31st  of  July,  twelve 
hundred  men  landed  at  Plattsburgh,  where  no  resistance  was 
made,  a  sufficient  body  of  militia  not  being  collected  in  time ; 
they  first  destroyed  all  the  public  buildings,  and  then  wantonly 
burnt  the  store  houses  of  several  of  the  inhabitants,  and  carried 
off  great  quantities  of  private  property.  The  same  outrages 
were  committed  afterwards  at  Swanton,  in  the  state  of  Vermont. 
These  acts  served  only  to  provoke  the  inhabitants,  and  render 
ihem  better  disposed  to  give  the  enemy  a  warm  reception  at 
3ome  other  period. 

On  Lake  Ontario,  a  naval  armament  which  might  be  termed 
formidable  for  this  inland  sea,  was  arrayed  on  either  side ;  and  aa 
interesting  contest  ensued,  between  two  skilful  officers,  for  the 
superiority.  The  General  Pike,  of  twenty-two  guns,  having 
been  launched,  and  iroving  to  be  an  excellent  sailer,  commodore 
Chauncey  was  now  fully  equal,  in  point  of  strength,  to  his  anta- 
gonist. Sir  James  Yeo,  though  somewhat  inferior  in  force, 
had  the  advantage  in  an  important  particular :  his  ships  sailed 
better  in  squadron,  and  he  could  therefore  avoid  or  come  to 
an  engagement  as  he  thought  proper.  It  being  a  matter  all 
important  to  the  British,  to  prevent  the  Americans  from  be- 
coming masters  of  the  lake,  sir  James  prudently  avoided  a 
general  action ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  to  bring  him  to  ac- 
tion, was  the  great  object  of  commodore  Chauncey.  On  the 
7th  of  August,  the  two  fleets  came  in  sight  of  each  other. 
Commodore  Chauncey  manoeuvred  to  gain  the  wind.  Having 
passed  to  the  leeward  of  the  enemy's  line,  and  being  abreast  of 


M    I 


1 1 
if  I 

I    ! 


t  it 


26 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Cruise  of  Commodore  Chauncey  on  Lake  Ontario. 


his  van  ship,  the  Wolf,  he  fired  a  few  guns  to  ascertain  whether 
he  could  reach  the  hostile  fleet.     The  shot  falling  short,  he 
wore,  and  hauled  upon  a  wind  to  the  starboard  tack  ;  the  rear 
of  his   schooners   being  six    miles   astern.     Sir  James  wore 
also,  and  hauled  upon  a  wind  on  the  same  tack  ;  but  observ- 
ing that  the  American  fleet  would  be  able  to  weather  him  in 
the  next  tack,  he  tacked  again,  and  made  all  sail  to  the  north- 
ward.    Commodore   Chauncey  pursued   him.     He  continued 
the  chase  until  night ;  but  the  schooners  not  being  able  to  keep 
up,  a  signal  was  made  to  relinquish  the  pursuit,  and  to  form 
in  close  order.     The  wind  now  blew  heavily ;  and  at  midnight, 
two  of  the  schooners,  the   Scourge  and  the  Hamilton,  were 
found  to  have  overset  in  the  squall.     Lieutenants  Winter  and 
Osgood,  two  valuable  ofliccrs,  were  lost,  and  only  sixteen  men 
of  the  crews  saved.    The  next  morning,  the  enemy,  discovering 
this  misfortune,  and  having  now  the  superiority,  manifested  a 
disposition  to  engage  the  Americans,  and  bore  up  for  the  pur- 
pose.    Two  schooners  were  ordered  to  engage  him  ;  but  when 
they  were  within  a  mile  and  a  half  of  him,  he  attempted  to  cut 
them  oflT.     Failing  in  this,  he  hauled  his  wind,  and  hove  to.  A 
squall  coming  on,  commodore  Chauncey  was  fearful  of  being 
separated  from  his  dull  sailing  schooners,  and  ran  in  towards 
Niagara  and  anchored.    Here  he  received  on  board,  from  Fort 
George,  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  to  act  as  marines,  and  dis- 
tributed them  through  his  fleet.     On  the  morning  of  the  9th, 
he  again  sailed.   At  eleven  o'clock,  after  much  manoeuvring  on 
both  sides,  the  rear  of  the  enemy's  line  opened  its  fire ;  and 
in  fifteen  minutes  the  action  became  general  on  both  sides.    At 
half  past  eleven,  the  American  weather  line  bore  up,  and  passed 
to  the  leeward,  the  Growler  and  Julia  excepted,  which  soon 
after  tacking  to  the  southward,  brought  the  British  between 
them  and  the  remainder  of  the  American  fleet.     Sir  James, 
after  exchanging  a  few  shot  with  the  American  commodore's 
ship,  pursued  the  Growler  and  Julia.      A  firing  commenced 
between  them,  which  continued  until  one  o'clock  in  the  morn- 
ing of  the  10th ;  when,  after  a  desperate  resistance,  the  two 
schooners  were  compelled  to  yield.     The  fleets  had  lost  sight 
of  each  other  in  the  night ;  but  as  sir  James  on  the  next  day 
when  they  were  again  visible,  showed  no  disposition  to  renew 
the  action,  commodore  Chauncey  returned  to  Sackett's  Har 
hour.   A  victory  for  this  affair  was  claimed  by  the  British  com 
mander. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


127 


War  on  the  Coast. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


War  on  the  Coaat— British  attack  Lewistown— Gun-Boats  a'.tack  some  British 
Vessels  of  War— Exploits  of  Cockburn— Attack  on  Frencbtown— Plundering  and 
Burning  of  Havre  de  Grace— of  Georgetown  and  Fredericktown— Arrival  of  Admi- 
ral Warren  and  Sir  Sydney  Beckwith— Southern  Cities  threatened— Attack  on 
Craney  Island— gallantly  repulsed— Hampton  assaulted  and  plundered— Enormities 
committed  there— Correspondence  between  General  Taylor  and  Sir  Sydney  Beck- 
with—Cockburn  plunders  the  Coast  of  North  Carolina— Blockade  of  the  American 
Squadron  at  New  London  by  Commodore  Hardy— Torpedo  System. 


mi 

m 

.  '"4' 


During  the  first  year  of  the  war,  Great  Britain,  being  deeply 
engaged  in  the  important  transactions  then  going  on  in  Europe, 
had  little  time  to  attend  to  the  war  with  this  country.  The 
forces  which  she  could  spare,  had  been  sent  to  Canada  ;  and  not 
one  of  our  ports  could  be  said  to  have  been  in  a  state  of  actual 
blockade.  The  change  in  the  face  of  things  in  Europe,  how- 
ever, gave  her  a  greater  disposable  force,  and  more  leisure ; 
while  our  victories  on  the  ocean  awakened  her  attention,  and 
kindled  a  desire  for  revenge.  Long  before  spring,  it  was 
known  that  a  British  squadron  had  arrived  at  Bermuda,  with 
a  body  of  troops  on  board,  and  well  supplied  with  bombs  and 
rockets,  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  some  of  our  southern 
cities  and  towns.  A  distinction  was  made  between  the  north  and 
south,  from  the  belief,  that  the  northern  states  were  not  merely 
unfriendly  to  the  war,  but  were  strongly  inclined  to  secede 
from  the  union,  and  return  to  their  former  allegiance  to  the 
king  of  England. 

We  are  now  about  to  enter  upon  a  species  of  hostilities, 
entirely  new  among  civilized  people.  The  scenes  which  we 
must  pass  in  review,  can  scarcely  be  spoken  of  in  terms  of 
moderation  ;  and  the  chief  actors  of  them  can  never  be  other- 
wise regarded,  than  as  the  perpetrators  of  enormities  from 
which  the  honourable  warrior  would  shrink  with  instinctive 
horror  and  disrrjjst. 

It  was  soon  understood  that  the  war  to  be  carried  on  against 
the  Atlantic  coast  in  the  spring,  was  to  be  a  war  of  havock  and 
destruction  ;  but  to  what  extent  was  not  exactly  known.     The 


128 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


War  on  the  Coast British  attacit  Lew 


istown. 


Ij    I  i 


enemy  »  talked  of  chastising  us  into  submission."  It  was  there- 
fore  expected  that  our  large  commercial  towns,  now  somewhat 
fortified  against  the  approach  of  their  shipping,  would  be  vigor- 
ously  attacked ;  and  it  was  probable  that  thoy  would  be  much 
injured,  and  not  impossible  that  they  might  be  reduced  to  ashes. 
Preparations  for  resistance  were  made,  by  stationing  small 
bodies  of  regular  troops  at  diflerent  points  along  the  seaboard ; 
which  were  to  form  rallying  points  for  the  militia,  when  their 
aid  should  be  required.  A  number  of  marines  and  seamen, 
belonging  to  public  vessels  which  did  not  put  to  sea,  were 
directed  to  co-operate  in  this  service. 

On  the  4th  of  February,  a  squadron  consisting  of  two  ships 
of  the  line,  three  frigates  and  other  vessels,  made  its  appearance 
in  Chesapeake  Bay,  apparently  standing  for  Hampton  Roads. 
The  alarm  was  immediately  caught  at  Norfolk,  and  the  militia 
were  called  in  from  the  upper  part  of  Virginia.     No  attempt, 
however,  was  made  upon  the  town  ;  the  enemy  contenting  him- 
self with  destroying  the  smaller  vessels  employed  in  the  naviga- 
tion  of  the  bay,  and  effectively  blockading  its  waters.    About  the 
same  time,  another  squadron,  under  the  command  of  commodore 
Beresford,  consisting  of  the  Poictiers,  the  Belvidera  and  some 
other   vessels,   entered    the   Delaware,    which    in    the   same 
manner  destroyed   a  number  of  small   trading   vessels,  and 
attempted  several  times  to  land  some  men,  who  were  as  often 
repulsed  by  the  militia,  hastily  collected.    On  the  10th  of  April, 
sir  John  Beresford  made  a  demand  on  the  people  of  the  village 
of  Lewistown,  for  a  supply  of  provisions,  which  was  spiritedfy 
refused  by  colonel  Davis,  commanding  at  that  place.     Captain 
Byron,  of  the  Belvidera,  was  ordered  to  move  near  the  village, 
and  bombard  it  until   the  demand  should   be  complied  with. 
This  was  obeyed,  but  without  effect:   after  a  cannonade  of 
twenty  hours,  the  enemy  were  unable  to  make  any  impression 
on  the  place.    Their  fire  had  been  returned  from  some  batteries 
rapidly  thrown  up  on  the  bank,  with  considerable  effect.     On 
the  10th  of  May,  the  same  squadron  sent  out  their  barges  in 
the- neighbourhood  of  Lewistown,  to   procure  water.     Major 
George  Hunter  was  detached  by  colonel  Davis,  with  one  hun- 
dred  and  fifty  men,  to  oppose  their  landing,  a  duty  which  he 
performed  with  so  much  gallantry,  that  they  were  compelled  to 
retreat  to  their  shipping   precipitately.     The  squadron  soon 
after  returned  to  Bermuda,  where  sir  John  Borlace  Warren, 
who  commanded  on  this  station,  was  engaged  in  fitting  out  a 
more  considerable  armament,  for  the  attack  of  our  sea-coast 
during  the  summer. 
Soon  after  the  departure  of  this  squadron,  the  Spartan  and 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


129 


Qun  Boats  attack  «ome  BritUh  VeBseIg  of  Wfcr Exploit!  of  Cockburn. 


some  other  vessels  entered  the  Delaware.  One  of  them,  the 
sloop  of  war  Martin,  was  discovered  on  the  29th  of  July,  slightly 
grounded  on  the  outer  edge  of  Crow's  shoals.  A  detachment 
of  the  gun-boat  flotilla,  at  that  time  near  the  place,  immediately 
moved,  and  anchoring  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  Aum  the 
sloop,  opened  a  destructive  fire  upon  her.  The  Junon  frigate 
soon  afler  came  to  her  relief.  A  cannonade  was  kept  up  during 
an  hour  between  the  gun-boats  and  these  two  vessels,  in  which 
the  latter  suffered  great  injury.  Finding  it  impossible  to  drive 
off  this  musquito  fleet,  the  enemy  manned  their  launches,  tenders 
and  cutters,  to  cut  off  the  gun-boats  at  the  extremity  of  the 
line.  Gun-boat  No.  121,  commanded  by  sailing-master  Head, 
was  unfortunately  taken,  after  a  desperate  resistance  against 
eight  times  her  number.  The  British  soon  after  retired,  having 
extricated  the  Martin  from  her  situation. 

Scenes  of  a  different  kind  were,  in  the  meanwhile,  acting  in 
the  Chesapeake.  The  blockading-squadron,  which  had  returned 
in  February,  was  engaged  in  carrying  on  a  predatory  wai 
along  the  shores  and  inlets.  It  was  here  that  Cockburn,  a  rear- 
admiral  in  the  British  service,  commenced  those  exploits,  for 
which  he  afterwards  became  so  notorious ;  and  of  which  he 
may  justly  claim  to  be  the  originator.  At  first,  they  were 
directed  against  detached  farm-houses,  and  the  seats  of  private 
gentlemen  unprepared  for  and  incapable  of  defence.  These  were 
robbed,  and  the  owners  treated  in  the  rudest  manner.  The 
cattle  which  could  not  be  carried  away,  were  doomed  to  wanton 
destruction ;  and  the  slaves,  armed  against  their  owners,  were 
persuaded,  in  imitation  of  the  example  of  their  new  friends,  to 
attack  and  plunder  the  defenceless  families  and  property  of  fheii 
masters.  It  was  impossible  to  station  a  force  at  each  farm- 
house, to  meet  these  miserable  and  disgraceful  incursions.  Yet, 
in  several  instances,  they  were  bravely  repelled  by  militia,  who 
collected  without  authority  and  under  the  guidance  of  no  leader. 
Cockburn  took  possession  of  several  islands  in  the  bay,  par- 
ticularly Sharp's,  Tilghman's  and  Poplar  islands ;  whence  he 
seized  the  opportunity  of  making  descents  upon  the  neighbour- 
ing  shores,  at  such  times  as  the  inhabitants  happened  to  be  ofT 
their  guard :  but  the  spirited  citizens  of  Maryland,  by  station- 
ing  bodies  of  infantry  and  cavalry  at  intervals  along  the  shore, 
ready  to  be  drawn  out  at  a  moment's  warning,  prevented  the 
success  of  many  of  them. 

Encouraged  by  the  results  of  his  attacks  on  the  fanners  and 
their  hen-roosts,  and  rendered  more  rapacious  by  the  booty 
already  obtained,  Cockburn  now  resolved  to  undertake  some- 
thing of  a  bolder  and  more  adventurous  character,  in  which  his 


180 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


k  li; 


i  1 


Attack  on  Frenchtown Plundering  and  Burning  of  Havre  de  Grace. 

thirst  for  plunder,  and  his  love  of  mischief,  might  be  gratified 
in  a  higher  degree.  lie  Ihcrelbrc  directed  his  attention  to  the 
unprotected  villages  and  hamlets  along  the  bay;  carefully  avoid- 
ing the  larger  towns,  the  plundering  ot  which  might  be  attended 
with  some  danger.  The  first  of  his  exploits  was  against  the 
village  of  Frenchtown,  containing  six  dwelling-houses,  two  large 
store  houses,  and  several  stables.  This  place  was  important,  as 
a  point  of  intermediate  deposit  for  the  lines  of  transportation 
between  the  cities  of  Philadelphia  and  Baltimore ;  and  Cock- 
burn  rightly  conjectured  that  here  there  might  be  private  pro- 
perty to  a  considerable  amount.  He  accordingly  set  out  on  this 
expedition,  from  his  ship  the  Marlborough,  in  barges,  with  five 
hundred  marines;  a  number  sufficient  to  have  carried  the  town 
on  their  backs.  Some  show  of  resistance  was  made  by  a  snjall 
party  of  militia  collected  from  Elkton,  which  retired  a?,  the 
admiral  approached.  The  store  houses  were  destroyed  ;  to- 
gether with  such  goods  as  could  not  be  carried  olF,  to  an  immCiije 
amount.  Amongst  other  objects  of  wanton  destr  tion,  wap  an 
elegant  drop-curtain,  belonging  to  the  theatres  of  the  cities 
before  mentioned.  The  brand  was  applied  to  some  of  the  pri- 
vate dwelling-houses,  and  to  several  vessels  lying  at  the  wharf  i 
after  which,  the  British,  fearing  the  approach  of  the  militia, 
hastily  returned  to  their  shipping. 

The  next  exploit  of  the  admiral  was  of  still  greater  import- 
ance. The  town  of  Havre  de  Grace  is  Si.uated  on  the  Sus- 
quehanna, about  two  miles  from  the  head  of  the  bay,  and  is  a 
neat  village,  containing  twenty  or  thirty  houses.  An  attack  on 
this  place  was  the  next  object  in  the  plan  of  his  operations. 
Accordingly,  on  the  3d  of  May,  before  daylight,  his  approach 
was  announced  by  the  firing  of  cannon  and  the  discharge  of 
nuiTierous  rockets.  The  inhabitants,  thus  awakened  from  their 
sleep,  leaped  up  in  the  greatest  consternation ;  and  the  more 
courageous  repaired  to  the  beach,  where  a  few  small  pieces  of 
artillery  had  been  j  lanted  on  a  kind  of  battery,  for  the  purpose 
of  defence  against  the  smaller  watering  or  plundering  parties 
of  the  enemy.  After  firing  a  few  shots  on  the  approaching 
barges,  they  all,  with  the  exception  of  an  old  citizen  of  the 
place  of  the  name  of  O'Neill,  fled,  abandoning  the  village  to 
the  mercy  of  Cockburn.  O'Neill  alone  continued  to  fight,  load- 
ing a  piece  of  artillery,  and  firing  it  himself,  until,  in  recoiling, 
it  ran  over  his  thigh  and  wounded  him  severely.  He  then 
armed  himself  with  a  musket,  and  keeping  up  a  fire  on  the 
advancing  coluum  oftiie  Britisii,  which  had  by  this  lime  lauded 
and  formed,  limped  away  to  join  his  comrades,  whom  he 
attempted  in  vain  to  rally. 


IIISTOUY  OF  THE  WAR. 


131 


Plundering  and  Burning  of  Havre  de  Grace. 


parties 


No  sooner  had  the  enemy  taken  possession  of  the  village  by 
this  sudden  and  bold  assault,  than  they  set  themselves  abou*. 
destroying  the  private  dwellings,  and  plundering  their  contents. 
Having  gl  jttcd  their  avarice,  they  then  amused  themselves  with 
every  species  ot'  barbarous  and  wanton  mischief.  The  houses 
being  now  on  fire,  they  cut  open  the  beds  of  <he  inhabitants, 
and  threw  in  the  feathers  to  increase  the  flame.  Women  and 
children  fled  shrieking  in  every  direction,  to  avoid  the  brutal 
insolence  of  the  British  seamen  and  marines,  and  no  where  did 
they  find  a  protector  amongst  these  savages.  Their  clothes 
were  torn  from  their  backs,  and  they  felt  themselves  at  every 
moment  in  danger  of  being  massacred.  Not  on  women  and 
children  alone  were  these  outrages  committed  ;  the  horses  be- 
longing to  the  public  stages  were  cruelly  maimed,  and  the  stages 
themselves  broken  to  pieces.  Determined  thai  »heir  character 
should  not  be  equivocal,  these. worse  than  Vanda;^  ,  selected  as  the 
m.:t  object  of  their  barbarous  vengeance,  a  nea'  and  beautiful 
building,  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  the  Almighty,  und  took  unu- 
sual pains  to  deface  its  doors  and  windows.  One  building  yet 
remained  undemolished,  an  elegant  dwelling  belonging  to  com- 
modore Rodgers.  Here  the  most  respectable  females  of  the 
town  had  taken  refuge  with  their  children ;  believing  that  a 
naval  oflicei  would  not  wantonly  insult  the  unprotected  wife  of 
a  brave  and  g  'lant  seaman,  who  was  then  absent  in  the  service 
of  his  countiy.  The  officer  to  v/hom  the  task  of  conflagration 
had  been  assigned,  already  held  the  torch,  when  by  much  soli- 
citation  he  was  induced  to  wait  a  few  moments,  until  an  ap- 
peal to  the  admiral  could  be  made.  It  proved  successful ;  and 
it  is  mentioned  to  his  praise,  that  he  refrained  on  one  occasion 
only  from  that  the  doing  of  which  would  have  been  the  climax  of 
brutality.  No  further  mischief  remaining  to  be  perpetrated 
in  the  village,  the  enemy  divided  their  force  into  three  bodies  , 
and  while  one  remained  to  keep  watch,  the  others  proceeded 
to  lay  waste  the  adjacent  country.  One  part^'  pursued  the 
route  towards  Baltimore  for  several  miles,  plundering  the  farm- 
houses, and  robbing  the  travellers  on  the  road  of  their  clothes 
and  money  ;  the  other  marched  up  the  river,  committing  similar 
outrages.  It  were  endless  to  enumerate  the  acts  of  cruel  and 
wanton  injury,  inflicted  by  this  party,  during  the  short  time 
which  ihey  remained.  On  the  6th,  to  the  great  satisfaction  of 
the  inhabitants,  these  savages,  than  whom  those  of  the  west 
were  not  worse,  returned  to  their  fleet.  The  gallant  O'Neill, 
who  had  been  taken  prisoner,  was  carried  with  them  and  de- 
tained several  days ;  at  the  end  of  which  time  they  thought  pro- 
per to  release  him.     The  inhabitants  of  the  village,  many  of 


I 


132 


niUCKENRIDGE'S 


Plundering  and  niinilng  of  Q«orgetowii  and  Fredericktown. 


I'.;'' 


'I- 
in  I 


whom  were  almost  ruined,  throw  themselves  on  the  humanity 
of  their  lellow-citizens  of  Biltimorc,  who  contributed  so  gene, 
rousiy  to  their  relief,  tlmt  they  were  soon  iiHer  cnubicd  to  com- 
mcnce  the  rebuilding  of  the  r  houses. 

Elated  with  the  profitablo  issue  of  this  descent,  in  wliich  e. 
rich  booty  was  obtained  v  ith  so  little  danger,  the  enemy  was 
eager  for  some  other  entr-rprise  ecjually  honourable  to  the  Bri- 
tish  arms.    On  the  river  Sassafras,  which  empties  itself  into  the 
bay,  stood  Georgetown  and  Fredericktown,  two  beautiful  viU 
jagcs  situated  nearly  oppc  site  to  each  other,  one  in  Kent,  the  other 
in  Cecd  county.   These  hid  attracted  the  attenlion  of  the  ndmi- 
ral.     Ills  hired  agents,  for  miscreants  may  bo  found  in  every 
country  for  such  purposes,  had  informed  him,  that  there  he  might 
glut  his  crew  with  plunder.    On  the  0th,  placing  himself  at  the 
head  of  six  hundred  men,  i.i  eighteen  barges,  he  ascended  the 
river,  and  proceeded  towa.-ds  Fredericktown.     Colonel  Veazy 
had  collected  here  about  fifty  militia ;  and,  on  the  approach  of  the 
barges,  ho  immediaiely  con.mcnced  a  heavy  fire  with  langrel 
shot  and  musketry.     The  greater  part  of  the  militia  soon  fled, 
leaving  the  colonel  to  oppose  the  enemy  as  he  could ;  he,  notwith- 
standing,  kept  up  a  steady  fire,  until  they  approached  so  near 
that  he  was  compelled  to  retreat.    The  admiral  boldly  advanced 
to  the  town,  plundered  the  houses,  and  in  spite  of  the  entreaties 
of  the  women  and  children,  again  acted  the  incendiary.    Leav- 
ing  Fredericktown  in  flames,  he  passed  ic  the  opposite  side  of 
the  river,  whence,  after  treating  the  village  of  Georgetown  in 
the  same  manner,  he  returned,  glutted  with  spoil  and  satiated 
with  wanton  havock. 

Not  long  after  this,  admiral  Warren  entered  the  bay,  with  a 
considerab!-  reinforcement  to  the  fleet,  and  a  number  of  land 
troops  and  marines  under  the  command  of  sir  Sidney  Beckwith. 
He  had  seized  some  of  the  vessels  employed  in  the  navigation 
of  the  bay,  with  the  view  of  using  them  in  penetrating  those 
inlets  which  were  impervious  to  the  larger  tenders.  To' oppose 
the  small  parties  which  he  sent  out,  the  government  hired  a 
number  of  barges  and  light  vessels,  which,  by  moving  from 
place  to  place  with  great  rapidity,  tended  to  keep  him  in  check. 
By  the  arrival  of  admiral  Warren,  the  hostile  force  in  the 
Chesapeake  was  increased  to  seven  ships  of  the  line,  and  twelve 
frigates,  with  a  proportionate  number  of  smaller  vessels.  The 
appearance  of  this  formidable  armament  created  much  alarm  in 
the  more  considerable  towns  along  the  neighbouring'  coast. 
Baltimore,  Annapolis,  and  Norfolk  were  threatened ;  and  it 
soon  became  evident  that  the  latter  of  these  places  was  selected 
to  receive  the  first  blow 


HISTORY  OF  TH)     VAR. 


198 


Houtli,rn  CItle.  ihnMnnj AtCack  on  Cf .ney  bl.nd. 

On  the  18th,  fomimKloro  Cassin,  having  received  intelliL'enco 
tJiat  a  squadron  of  the  enemy  had  arrived  in  Hampton  Roads, 
commenced  th(>  ne.    ssary  dispositions  for  repelling  the  invader. 
Ine  Irigate  Lonst,  .lafion  was  anchored  between  the  two  forts 
commanduig  Elizabeth  river,  on  whicli  the  city  of  Norfolk  i.-i 
situated.    At  this  place  nearly  ten  thousand  of  tlio  Virginia  mili- 
tia  had  collected.     A  detachment  of  the  gun  boat  flotilla  was 
ordered  in  the  meanwhile  to  descend  the  river,  and  engage  the 
foremost  of  the  enemy's  frigates,     (.'aptain  Tarbell,  by  whom 
It  was  commanded,  proceeded  in  two  divisions  :  the  first  com- 
manded  by  lieutenant  Gardner,  and  the  other  by  lieutenant 
tienly.     On  the  2()th,  having  brought  his  gun  boats  into  a  fa- 
vourablc  position,  he  opened  a  rapid  fire  upon  the  Junon  fri- 
gat^,  at  the  distance  of  half  a  mile.     This  was  returned  ;  and 
the  cannonade  continued  for  half  an  hour ;  the  frigate  reccivina 
much  injury,  wiiile  the  gun  boats  suffered  but  little.     Another 
vessel,  which  proved  to  be  a  razee,  was  now  seen  coming  to  her 
assistance ;  and  the  fire  of  the  Junon,  which  for  a  short  time 
had  been  silenced,  on  the  arrival  of  her  consort  and  additional 
Ingates,  again  opened.     Captain  Tarbell  now  deemed  it  expe- 
dient  to  retire.     B>  this  affair,  the  Junon  was  much  shattered  : 
and  her  Joss,  considering  the  great  disparity  of  force,  was  con- 
siderable. 

A  formidable  attack  on  Norfolk  having  been  resolved  upon 

by  the  British,  it  was  necessary,  preparatory  to  this,  to  subdue 

he  forts  by  which  :t  was  protected.     The  nearest  obstruction 

to  the  caemy  s  advances,  was  Craney  Island  ;  and  in  the  course 

of  tlie  day,  the  fleet  in  the  bay  dropped  to  the  mouth  of  James 

Kiver.    Captain  Tarbell  gave  orders  to  lieutenants  Neale,  Shu- 

brick,  and  Saunders  of  the  frigate  Constellation,  to  land  a  hundred 

seamen  on  the  island,  for  the  purpose  of  manning  a  battery  on 

the  northwest  side;  while  he  stationed  the  gun  boats  in  such  a 

menner  as  enabled  him  to  annoy  the  enemy  from  the  opposite 

side.    On  the  22d,  at  daylight,  they  were  discovered  approach- 

ing  in  barges,  round  the  point  of  Nansomond  river,  to  the  num- 

ber  of  four  thousand  men ;  most  of  whom,  it  was  afterwards 

ascertained,  were  wretched  French  troops,  which  had  been  taken 

prisoners  m  Spain,  and  induced  to  enter  f.'ie  British  service  by 

,the  promise  of  being  permitted  to  pillage  and  abuse  the  citi- 

zens  of  the  United  States.     They  sclccteH  a  place  of  landin.. 

out  of  tlie  reach  of  the  gun  boats;  but,  unfortunately  for  them° 

no  out  of  the  reach  of  danger.     When  they  had  approached 

Withm  two  hundred  yards  of  the  shore,  lieutenant  Neale,  assist- 

ed  by  lieutenants  Shubrick  and  Saundeis,  opened  a  galling  firo 

Irom  Jus  battery,  and  compelled  them  to  pauw.     The  battery 


'1*1; 


184 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Attack  on  Craney  Island— gallantl;  repulsed. 


was  manned  by  one  hundred  and  fifty  men,  including  lieutenant 
Breckenridge's  marines.  An  eighteen  pounder  which  had  been 
mounted  on  it  was  directed  with  so  much  precision,  that  sev- 
eral of  the  enemy's  boats  were  cut  in  twain,  and  the  men  with 
difficulty  escaped.  The  Centipede,  the  admiral's  barge,  was 
sunk,  and  the  whole  force  compelled  to  make  a  precipitate 
retreat.  No  sooner  was  this  discovered,  than  lieutenant  Neale 
ordered  his  men  to  haul  up  the  boats  which  had  been  sunk, 
and  to  afford  the  unfortunate  sufferers  every  assistance  in  their 
power. 

A  large  party  of  the  enemy  which  had  landed  on  the  main 
shore,  and  were  crossing  a  narrow  inlet  to  the  west  side,  were 
not  less  warmly  received  by  the  Virginia  volunteers.  A  short 
time  before  the  approach  of  the  barges,  this  body  of  men, 
about  eight  hundred  in  nuinber,  attempted  to  cross  to  the  island 
by  the  inlet  of  which  we  have  spoken.  Colonel  Beatty,  who 
had  been  posted,  with  about  four  hundred  men,  on  the  island, 
planted  two  twenty -four  pounders,  and  four  sixes,  to  oppose 
the  passage,  under  the  direction  of  major  Faulkner,  aided  by 
captain  Emerson,  and  lieutenants  Howel  and  Godwin.  The 
conflict  commenced  at  the  same  moment  that  the  attack  was 
made  on  the  party  approaching  by  water;  and  the  enemy 
was  compelled  to  relinquish  his  attempt  in  this  quarter  also. 
His  total  loss  was  upwards  of  two  hundred  in  killed  and 
wounded,  besides  a  number  of  his  men,  who  seized  the  oppor- 
tunity to  desert. 

The  safety  of  the  city  of  Norfolk,  and  of  Gosport,  Ports- 
mouth and  other  surrounding  towns,  is  to  be  attributed  to 
the  resolute  defence  of  Craney  island.  The  conduct  of  lieu- 
tenant Neale,  and  his  brave  companions,  Shubrick,  Saunders, 
and  Breckenridge,  received  the  grateful  acknowledgements  of 
the  inhabitants.  Colonel  Beatty  and  his  officers,  and  two  non- 
commissioned volunteers,  sergeant  Young  and  corporal  Moffit, 
were  no  less  entitled  to  praise  ibr  the  parts  which  they  took  in 
this  interesting  affair. 

This  unexpected  repulse  enraged  the  enemy  beyond  measure; 
but  at  the  same  time  that  their  desire  of  revenge  was  excited, 
they  were  taught  greater  prudence  in  the  selection  of  the  object 
of  attack.  A  consultation  took  place  between  admiral  Warren, 
sir  Sidney  Beckwith,  and  Cockburn,  which  resulted  in  a  deter- 
mination  to  attack  the  town  of  Hampton,  about  eighteen  miles 
distant  from  Norfolk.  There  was  a  garrison  here,  consistinw 
of  about  four  hundred  men,  artillerists  and  infantry.  The  fortifi'^ 
cations  of  the  place  were  very  inconsiderable;  and  the  town  itself 
was  of  little  more  importance  than  the  vfllage  which  had  been 


TC,  was 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


135 


Hampton  asgaulted  and  plundered  . .  ■ Enormities  cimmitted  there. 


pillaged  by  Cockburn.  It  was  thought,  that  by  the  possession 
of  this  place,  the  communication  between  Norfolic  and  the  upper 
part  of  Virginia  would  be  entirely  cut  off.  On  the  25th,  the  plan 
of  attack  having  been  adjusted,  admiral  Cockburn  advanced 
towards  the  tmvn,  with  a  number  of  barges,  tenders  and  smaller 
vessels,  throwing  rockets,  and  keeping  up  a  constant  cannonade  ; 
while  sir  Sydney  landed  below,  at  the  head  of  two  thousand  men, 
intending  tc  march  up  and  gain  the  rear  of  the  Americans.  Ad- 
miral Cockburn  was  so  warmly  received  by  major  Crutchfield, 
the  officer  commanding  at  Hampton,  who  opened  upon  him  a 
few  pieces  of  artillery,  that  he  was  compelled  instantly  to  draw 
back,  and  conceal  himself  behind  a  point.  In  the  meanwhile, 
sir  Sydney  made  his  appearance,  and  was  severely  handled  by 
a  rifle  company  under  captain  Servant,  which  had  been  posted 
in  a  wood,  near  which  he  had  to  pass.  Major  Crutchfield  soon 
after  drew  up  his  infantry  in  support  of  the  riflemen ;  but  find- 
ing  himself  unable  to  contend  with  numbers  so  superior,  he  made 
good  his  retreat,  not  however  without  s,TJit  difficulty.  Cap- 
tain  Pryor  had  been  lefl:  to  command  the  battery  which  opposed 
the  enemy's  approach  from  sea.  The  royal  marines,  having 
landed,  had  advanced  within  sixty  yards  of  him  ;  and  his  corps, 
considering  their  situation  hopeless,  already  regarded  them- 
selves  as  prisoners  of  war ;  when,  ordering  the  guns  to  be  spiked, 
and  charging  upon  the  enemy,  he  threw  them  into  such  con- 
fusion, that  he  actually  effected  his  escape  without  the  loss 
of  a  single  man.  The  loss  of  the  Americans  in  this  affair, 
amounted  to  seven  killed  and  twelve  wounded:  that  of  the 
British,  according  to  their  statement,  was  five  filled  and  thirty- 
three  wounded ;  but  it  was  probably  much  more  considerable. 

Scarcely  was  this  village  in  the  possession  of  the  invaders, 
when  full  permission  was  given  to  the  troops  to  gratify  their 
worst  passions  and  propensities.  Afl;er  enacting  the  usual 
scenes  of  shameless  plunder  and  devastation,  they  proceeded  to 
offer  violence  to  the  personsof  those  of  the  unfortunate  inhabit- 
ants,  whose  age,  sex  or  infirmities  had  prevented  them  from 
escaping.  Was  there  no  British  officer  who,  on  this  occasion, 
felt  for  the  honour  of  his  country,  and  endeavoured,  at  the  risk 
of  his  life,  to  rescue  it  from  indelible  reproach  ?  It  seems  there 
was  not  one.  An  old  man  of  the  name  of  Kirby,  unable  to  rise 
from  his  bed,  was  set  upon  and  murdered  in  the  arms  of  his 
aged  wif'^,  who,  on  daring  to  remonstrate,  received  the  contents 
of  a  pistol  in  her  breast  i  To  complete  this  barbarous  act,  they 
wantonly  put  to  death  his  faithful  dog !  Two  sick  men  were 
murdered  in  the  hospital ;  the  n^cJical  stores  were  destroyed ; 
and  the  wounded  who  fell  into  their  hands,  were  not  only  de- 


■Jl 


136 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Correspondence  between  Qeneral  Taylor  and  Sir  Sjdney  Beekwitb. 

nied  medical  aid,  but  even  common  sustenance.  During  two 
days,  did  the  British  thus  throw  aside,  not  merely  the  character 
of  soldiers,  but  of  men ;  when,  fearing  an  attacii  from  the 
neighbouring  militia,  they  withdrew  with  such  precipitation, 
that  a  considerable  quantity  of  provisions  and  ammunition,  and 
some  of  their  men,  were  left  behind. 

This  picture  is  by  no  means  overcharged.  It  is  founded  on 
authentic  evidence  submitted  to  a  committee  of  congress.  The 
feelings  of  the  people  of  Virginia  were,  if  possible,  more  ex- 
cited by  this  affair,  than  were  those  of  the  citizens  of  Kentucky 
at  the  massacre  by  ?roctor.  General  Taylor,  who  commanded 
the  station,  addressed  a  letter  to  sir  Sydney  Beckwith,  couched 
in  terms  of  dignified,  thrilling  eloquence,  such  as  the  feelings 
of  an  honourable  man  alone  can  dictate.  After  stating  the 
enormities  of  which  the  British  had  been  guilty,  he  desired  to 
be  informed  of  the  nature  of  the  war  which  they  intended  to 
carry  on  against  the  United  States ;  whether  the  scenes  enacted 
at  Hampton  were  uriauthorised  by  the  British  government,  or 
whether  that  power  had  entirely  thrown  aside  the  usages 
which  govern  civilized  nations  when  at  variance.  "  Worth 
less,"  said  he,  "  is  the  laurel  steeped  in  female  tears,  and  joy 
less  the  conquests  which  have  inflicted  needless  woe  on  the 
peaceful  and  unresisting."  Sir  Sydney  replied,  that  he  was 
sorry  for  the  excesses  at  Hampton ;  and  hoped  that,  in  future 
the  war  would  be  carried  on  with  as  much  regard  to  humanity 
as  possible.  This  evasive  answer  was  not  deemed  satisfactory ; 
and  one  more  explicit  was  required.  He  then  declared  that  the 
excesses  committed  were  in  retaliation,  for  the  conduct  of  the 
Americans  at  Craney  island  in  shooting  at  the  seamen  who 
clung  to  a  barge  which  had  overset.  General  Taylor  imme- 
diately instituted  a  court  of  inquiry,  which  proved  the  charge 
to  be  without  foundation.  On  the  result  of  this  investigation 
being  communicated  to  sir  Sydney,  he  did  not  think  proper  to 
give  a  written  reply  :  he  promised,  verbally,  to  withdraw  his 
troops  from  the  neighbourhood  ;  excusing  himself,  on  the  score 
of  his  ignorance  of  the  kind  of  warfare  to  which  his  men 
had  been  accustomed  in  Spain ;  and  alleging,  that  as  soon  as  he 
found  them  engaged  in  the  excesses  complained  of,  he  had  given 
orders  for  them  to  re-embark.  It  is  unpleasant  to  implicate 
admiral  Warren  and  sir  Sydney  Beckwith  in  this  detestable 
affair ;  but  there  was  in  the  conduct  of  these  two  officers  a 
shameful  indiflbroncG  uoon  a  subioct  which  so  deeply  regarded 
the  character  of  the  British  government. 


The  squadron,  during  the  remainder  of  the  summer,  fre- 
quent] v  threatened  the  cities  of  Washington,  Annapolis  and  Bal 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


137 


Cockhiirii  plunders  the  Coast  of  North  Carolina. 


and 


rflArl 


fre- 


timore.  Large  boriies  of  militia  were  on  several  occasions 
drawn  out,  and  the  country  was  in  consequence  much  harassed. 
This  was  fiiir  and  justifiable  in  the  enemy,  and  is  no  subject  of 
complaint ;  and  had  any  of  our  towns  been  laid  in  ashes  whilo 
attempting  a  resistance,  it  would  have  been  regarded  only  as  a 
misfortune  of  war  which  the  enemy  had  a  right  to  inflict.  Ad- 
miral  Cockburn  was  permitted  to  pursue  his  own  inclination,  in 
moving  to  the  south  with  a  formidable  squadron,  to  carry  on, 
in  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia,  the  same  species  of  warfare 
which  he  had  so  successfully  practised  in  Chesapeake  Bay. 
In  the  beginning  of  July,  he  appeared  off  Ocracoke,  a  village 
of  North  Carolina,  and  shortly  after,  crossing  the  bar  with  a 
number  of  barges,  attacked  two  private  armed  vessels,  the  Ana- 
conda  and  the  Atlas,  which,  after  a  gallant  resistance,  he  cap. 
tared.  The  revenue  cutter,  then  in  port,  made  her  escape  to 
Newborn,  and  giving  the  ilarm  to  the  citizens,  they  assembled 
in  such  nuiibers  that  the  admiral's  designs  upon  that  town 
were  frustrated.  Landing  about  three  thousand  men,  he  pro- 
ceeded to  Portsmouth,  and  treated  its  inhabitants  in  his  usual 
manner.  He  returned  to  his  barges  with  a  valuable  booty, 
and  a  number  of  slaves,  whom  he  had  induced  to  leave  their 
masters  under  a  promise  of  freedom,  ,*'hich  he  atlerwards 
redeemed  by  selling  them  in  the  West  Indies. 

To  the  north  of  the  Chesapeake,  where  fortunately  these  dis- 
grai;eful  depredations  were  not  committed,  the  coast  was  not 
exempt  from  the  effects  of  war.  The  city  of  New  York  was 
strictly  blockaded.  The  American  frigates  United  States  and 
Macedonian,  and  the  sloop  Hornet,  attempted  to  sail  on  a  cruise 
from  that  port  about  the  beginning  of  May ;  but  finding  the 
force  at  the  Hook  much  superior  to  theirs,  they  put  back,  and 
passed  through  Hell  Gate,  with  the  intention  of  getting  out  by 
the  sound.  In  this  they  were  also  frustrated  ;  and  on  the  1st 
of  June,  after  another  attempt,  they  were  chased  into  New  Lon- 
don.  Six  hundred  militia  were  immediately  called  in  from  the 
surrounding  country,  for  the  protection  of  the  squadron  ;  and 
commodore  Decatur,  landing  some  of  his  guns,  mounted  a  bat- 
tery on  the  shore,  and  at  the  same  time  so  lightened  his  vessels, 
as  to  enable  them  to  ascend  the  river  out  of  the  reach  of  the 
enemy.  This  place  was  so  well  fortified,  however,  that  no. 
attempt  was  made  upon  it,  although  the  blockade  was  strictly 
kept  up  for  many  months. 

It  is  pleasing  to  contrast  thn  r^nnduft  of  rnmmndore  Hardy, 
who  commanded  the  squadron  north  of  the  ChesBpeake,  with 
that  of  Cockburn.  Although  he  frequently  landed  en  different 
parts  of  the  coast,  his  deportment   was   such  as  might  be 

M  * 


138 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


i!  li 


Blockade  cf  the  American  Squadron Torpedo  System. 

expected  from  a  manly,  humane  and  generous  enemy.  If  the 
proceedings  of  Cockburn  were  authorised  by  his  government, 
they  were  dictated  by  a  very  mistaken  policy  ;  for  nothing  could 
more  effectually  heal  political  differences,  and  render  the  war  o 
common  cause  with  every  American. 

An  act  of  congress  had  been  paosed  during  the  winter,  which 
cannot  be  mentioned  but  with  feelings  of  regret.  By  this  act, 
'a  reward  of  half  their  value,  was  offered  for  the  destruction  of 
ships  belonging  to  the  enemy  by  means  other  than  those  of  the 
armed  or  commissioned  vessels  of  the  United  States.  This 
measure  was  intended  to  encourage  the  use  of  torpedoes,  of 
which  so  much  at  that  time  was  said.  There  is  something 
unmanly  in  this  insidious  mode  of  annoyance.  It  is  not  justi- 
fiable for  defence  even  against  an  unsparing  foe ;  and  is  but 
little  better  than  poisoning  fountains.  Valour  can  claim  no 
share  in  such  exploits ;  and  to  the  noble  mind  little  pleasure 
can  be  derived  from  the  recollection  of  success  over  an  enemy 
treacherously  vanquished.  It  had  been  in  the  power  of  general 
Sinclair,  in  the  war  of  the  revolution,  to  have  poisoned  his  spi- 
rituous liquors  at  the  moment  of  his  defe?it,  and  thus  to  have 
destroyed  a  cruel  enemy ;  but  shame  would  have  followed  the 
infliction  of  such  an  injury,  even  upon  savages. 

Several  attempts  at  blowing  up  the  enemy's  vessels  were 
made,  in  consequence  of  the  law.  The  mo.st  remarkable  were 
those  against  the  Ramillies,  the  admiral's  ship,  and  the  Planta- 
genet.  The  schooner  Eagle,  having  been  filled  with  flour  bar- 
rels, and  a  quantity  of  gunpowder,  with  the  latter  of  which  a 
concealed  gun-lock  communicated,  was  thrown  in  the  way  of 
the  blockading  squadrop's  boats.  Fortunately,  the  seamen, 
instead  of  taking  her  alongside  of  the  Ramillies,  determined  first 
to  unlade  some  of  the  cargo :  while  employed  in  doing  this, 
the  schooner  blew  up,  and  destroyed  several  of  her  captors. 
The  next  experiment  made  with  the  torpedo,  was  against  the 
Plantagenet,  then  lying  below  Norfolk.  After  four  or  five 
attempts,  in  which  the  persons  engaged  could  not  3ome  suffi- 
ciently near  the  ship  without  being  discovered,  t\\s  torpedo 
was  dropped  at  the  distance  of  a  hundred  yards,  and  left  to  be 
swept  down  by  the  tide.  On  touching  the  vessel,  it  explodea 
in  the  most  awful  manner ;  causing  an  immense  column  of 
water  to  be  thrown  up,  which  fell  with  vast  weight  upon  the 
deck  of  the  ship  ;  while  a  yawning  gulf  seemed  to  swallow 
her  up.  The  crew  immediately  took  to  their  boats,  completely 
panic-struck.  Commodore  Hardy  was  justly  indignant  at  this 
dichonourable  species  of  annoyance,  and  protested  against  it 
an  strong  terms.     It  had  the  effect,  however,  of  compelling  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


139 


Torpedo  System Naval  Affairs. 


enemy  to  be  extremely  cautious  in  their  approach  to  our  hai- 
hours ;  and  although  the  use  of  torpedoes  was  relinquished, 
their  apprehensions  served  to  keep  them  at  a  greater  distance. 
If  any  thmg  could  justify  this  mode  of  attack,  it  was  the  scenes 
at  Hampton,  and  the  deportment  of  Cockburn  and  his  crew ; 
but  commodore  Hardy  was  a  generous  enemv.  lad  merited 
different  treatment. 


CHAPTER  X. 


Naval  Affairs-Tlie  Hornet  captures  the  Peacock-Humane  and  generous  Conduct 
of  Captain  Lawrence  and  the  Crew  of  the  Hornet-Captain  Lawre.-ce  appointed  to 
tile  Chesnpeake-The  Shannon  challenges  the  Cheeapeake-The  Shannon  captures 
the  Chesapeake-Death  of  Captain  Lawrence-The  Pelican  captures  the  Argus- 
Cruise  of  Commodore  Porter  in  the  South  Seas-The  Entcrprize  captures  the  Boxe. 
-Cruise  of  Commodore  Rodgers-Cruise  of  the  Congress-Gallant  Conduct  of  Ame- 
rican  Privateers-of  the  Comet-of  the  General  Armstrong-The  Privateer  Decatur 
captures  the  Dominica. 

It  is  now  time  to  return  to  the  affairs  of  our  navy.  Our  ves- 
sels  continued  to  annoy  the  enemy,  in  spite  of  the  thousand  ships 
with  which  she  pursued  them  in  squadrons  through  every  sea. 
Instead  of  courting  an  engagement , with  them,  she  studiously 
avoided  coming  in  contact,  except  where  her  force  was  greatly 
superior.  The  "fir  built  frigates"  of  America  had  suddenly 
become  ships  of  the  line,  and  Great  Britain  cut  down  her  sev- 
enty.fours,  that  her  vessels  might  engage  with  ours  on  equal 
terms.  The  government  of  the  United  States  had  become  so 
sensible  oi  the  importance  of  our  marine,  that  congress,  during 
the  last  session,  had  authorised  the  building  of  several  additional 
vessels  ;  and  it  was  proposed  to  continue  to  augment  our  navy, 
by  annual  appropriations  for  the  purpose.  This  was  undoubt- 
edly wise  policy ;  for  whatever  we  may  fear  from  a  standing 
army,  there  can  be  no  similar  ground  of  objection  to  a  navy. 
±5esides.  It  is  only  on  that  element  that  we  can  come  in  con- 
tact  with  an  enemy  of  consequence.  Fortunately  for  us.  our 
territory  adjoins  to  that  of  no  power,  from  which 'we  reed  ap- 
prehend  any  great  danger  :  while  the  colonies  of  England  and 
ot  bpam  might  have  reason  "-  aoprehension,  if  the  genius  of 


140 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


i"ho  Hornet  captures  the  Peacock. 


I| 


our  government  were  not  opposed  to  conquest.  On  the  ocean, 
however,  we  must  unavoidably  come  in  contact  with  other  na- 
tions,  so  long  as  wo  pretend  to  have  commerce ;  for  witnout  a 
navy  that  commerce  cannot  be  protected. 

In  our  last  chapter  on  the  naval  war,  it  was  mentioned,  that 
the  Hornet,  captain  Lawrence,  was  left  to  blockade  the  Bonne 
Citoycnne,  at  St.  Salvador.  This  latter  vessel  was  formally 
challenged  by  the  Hornet :  but  either  from  unwillingness  to 
risk  the  loss  of  a  quantity  of  specie  which  she  had  on  board, 
or  because  she  was  not  inclined  to  engage  in  the  combat  though 
of  superior  force,  she  thought  proper  to  pay  no  atttention  to  the 
challenge.  Commodore  Bainbridge  had  parted  from  the  Hor- 
net at  this  place :  and  it  will  be  recollected  how  gloriously  he 
met  the  Java  and  captured  her  a  few  days  afterwards.  The 
Hornet  continued  the  blockade  until  the  24th  of  January, 
when  the  Montague  seventy-four  hove  in  sight,  and  compelled 
her  to  escape  into  port.  She  ran  out,  however,  the  same 
night,  and  proceeded,  on  a  cruise.  Her  commander  first 
shaped  his  course  to  Pernambuco;  and  on  the  4th  of  Febru- 
ary, captured  the  English  brig  Resolution,  <  ten  guns,  with 
twenty-three  thousand  dollars  in  specie.  He  then  ran  down 
the  coast  of  Maranham,  cruised  off  there  a  short  time ;  and 
thence  off  Surinam,  where  he  also  cruised  for  some  time ;  and 
on  the  22d  stood  for  Demerara.  The  next  day,  he  discovered 
an  English  brig  of  war  lying  at  anchor  outside  of  the  bar,  and 
on  beating  around  the  Carabana  bank,  to  come  near  her,  he  dis- 
covered, at  half  past  three  in  the  afternoon,  another  sail  on  his 
weather  quarter,  edging  down  for  him.  This  proved  to  be  a 
large  man  of  war  brig,  the  Peacock,  captain  Peake,  somewhat 
superior  to  the  Hornet  in  force.  Captain  Lawrence  manceu- 
vred  some  time  to  gain  the  weather  gage  of  her ;  but  his  efforts 
proving  fruitless,  he  hoisted  the  American  ensign,  tacked  about, 
and  in  passing  her,  exchanged  a  broadside  at  the  distance  of  pis- 
tol shot.  The  Peacock  being  then  discovered  in  the  act  of 
wearing,  Lawrence  bore  up,  received  her  starboard  broadside, 
ran  her  close  on  board  on  the  starboard  quarter,  and  poured  into 
her  so  heavy  a  fire,  that  in  fifteen  minutes  she  surrendered. 
At  the  moment  of  her  surrender,  she  hoisted  a  signal  of  dis 
tress ;  as  she  was  literally  cut  to  pieces,  and  had  already  six 
feet  water  in  her  hold. 

Lieutenant  Shubrick,  the  gallantry  of  whose  conduct  in  this 
affair  was  not  less  conspicuous  than  in  the  actions  with  the  Guer 
riere  and  Java,  was  despatched  to  bring  the  officers  and  crew  of 
the  vanquished  vessel  on  board  the  Hornet.     He  found  that 
her  captain  had  been  killed,  and  the  greater  part  of  her  crew 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


141 


Humane  Conduct  of  Captain  Lawrence,  and  the  Crew  of  the  Hornet. 


either  killed  or  wounded ;  and  that  the  vessel  was  sinking  fast, 
in  spite  of  every  effort  to  keep  her  above  water.     Strenuoui  ex- 
ertions were  made  to  take  off  the  crew  before  the  vessel  sunk: 
her  guns  were  thrown  overboard,  the  shot  holes  were  plugged; 
and  a  part  of  the  Hornet's  crew,  at  the  risk  of  their  lives,  laboured 
incessantly  in  the  removal  of  the  prisoners.     The  utmost  efforts 
of  these  generous  men  were  vain ;  she  sunk  in  ihe  midst  of  them 
carrying  down  nine  of  her  own  crew  and  three  of  the  Ameri 
can.     Thus  did  our  gallant  countrymen  twice  risk  their  lives 
first  in  the  cause  of  their  country,  and  next  in  the  cause  of  hu 
manily ;  first  to  conquer  their  enemies,  and  then  to  save  then 
Tiiese  are  actions,  which  it  unfortunately  falls  too  rarely  to  th  i 
lot  of  the  historian  to  record.    The  crew  of  the  Hornet  divided 
their  clothing  with  the  prisoners,  who  were  left  destitute  by 
the  sinking  of  the  ship ;  and  so  sensible  were  the  officers  of 
the  generous  treatment  which  they  experienced  from  captain 
Lawrence  and  his  men,  that,  on  their  arrival  at  New  York,  they 
expressed  their  gratitude  in  a  public  letter  of  thanks.     "  So 
much,"  say  they,  "  was  done  to  alleviate  the  uncomfortable 
and  distressing  situation  in  which  we  were  placed,  when  re- 
ceived on  board  the  ship  you  command,  that  we  cannot  better 
express  our  feelings,  than  by  saying,  we  ceased  to  consider 
ourselves  prisoners ;  and  every  thing  that  friendship  could  dic- 
tate, was  adopted  by  you  and  the  officers  of  the  Hornet,  to 
remedy  the  inconvenience  we  otherwise  should  have  experi- 
enced, from  the  unavoidable  loss  of  the  whole  of  our  property 
and  clothes,  by  the  sudden  sinking  of  the  Peacock."     This 
praise  is  worth  more  than  a  victory;  and  the  conduct  which 
elicited  it  is  certainly  much  more  deserving  to  be  termed  glo- 
rious than  the  destruction  of  human  life,  on  whatever  scale  it 
may  be  accomplished. 

The  number  of  killed  and  wounded,  on  board  the  Peacock, 
could  not  be  exactly  ascertained,  but  was  supposed  to  exceed 
fifty ;  while  the  Hornet  received  but  little  injury.  The  officers 
mentioned  as  having  distinguished  themselves  on  this  occasion, 
were  lieutenants  Conner  and  Newton,  and  midshipmen  Cooper, 
Mayo,  Getz,  Smoot,  Tippet,  Boerum  and  Titus.  Lieutenant 
Stewart  was  unfortunately  too  ill  to  take  a  part  in  the  action. 

On  the  10th  of  April,  shortly  after  the  return  of  the  Hornet, 
the  Chesapeal.e  arrived  at  Boston,  after  a  cruise  of  four  months. 
Her  commander,  captain  Evans,  having  been  appointed  to  the 
New  York  station,  she  was  f.^^sisned  to  cantain  Tiawrrnc^- 

The  British,  whose  mortification  at  their  repeated  defeats 
may  be  easily  imagined,  and  who  regarded  the  reputation  of 
their  navy  as  their  great  bulwark,  had  become  seriously  alarmed. 


^■Jf" 


li 


142 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Captain  Lawrence The  Bhannon  cballengci  the  Cheiapeake. 

If  tho  charm  of  their  fancied  superiority  on  this  element  were 
once  destroyed,  other  nations,  who  now  yielded  to  them  the 
palm,  might  conceive  the  idea  of  resistance  also.      In  some 
recent  encounters,  even  the  French,  who  had  boon  so  unfor- 
tunato   in   their  naval   combats  with  the  British,  had  be-'un 
to  pluck  up  courage.     Something  immediate  must  be  done"  to 
retrieve  their  character,  or  all  their  naval  songs  must  be  burnt 
and  their  boastings  suddenly  terminate.     The  course  was  natur- 
ally  fallen  upon  of  selecting  one  of  their  best  frigates,  manned  by 
picked  seamen,  and  exercised  with  all  possible  pains,  for  the 
special  purpose.     They  deigned  to  copy  every  thing  which  in 
reality,  or  which  they  fancied,  prevailed  in  the  American  ships. 
A  rumour  was  current,  that  backwoodsmen  were  placed  in  the 
tops  of  our  vessels,  expressly  for  the  purpose  of  shooting  the 
liritish   officers.     Sharpshooters  were   now  carefully  trained 
by  the  British,  and  directed  to  aim  only  at  the  officers  of  the 
Americans.     Thus  provided  with  a  chosen  ship  and  crew,  cap- 
tain  Brooke  appeared  with  the  Shannon  on  the  American  coast, 
in  April,  off  Boston  harbour,  ho  sent  a  challenge  to  the  President 
commodore  Rodgers,  which  happened  to  be  there.     On  the  23d* 
this  vessel,  with  the   Congress,  captain   Smith,  sailed  on   a 
cruise ;  but  the  Shannon,  then  in  company  with  the  Tenedos 
either  intentionally  avoided  them,  or  by  accident  happened  to 
be  out  oi  the  way.     The  Shannon  some  time  afterwards  re- 
tunicd,  and  sent  a  formal  challenge  to  captain  Lawrence,  who 
had  just  taken  the  command  of  the  Chesapeake,  which  unfor- 
tunptely  was  not  received  by  him. 

We  are  now  to  relate  an  occurrence  which  imparts  a  melan- 
choly  tone  to  our  naval  chronicle,  thus  far  so  brilliant.     Cap- 
tain  Lawrence,  on  arriving  to  take  command  of  his  ship,  was 
informed  that  a  British  frigate  was  lying  before  the  harbour, 
apparently  courting  a  combat  with  an  American.     Listening 
only  to  the  dictates  of  his  generous  nature,  he  burned  witb 
impatience  to  meet  the  enemy,  and  unfortunately  did  not  suffi- 
ciently  pause  to  examine  whether  the  terms  were  equal.      The 
Sceater  part  of  the  Chesapeake's  crew  consisted  of  men  who 
had  just  been  enlisted ;  several  of  his  officers  were  sick  ;  and 
hat  kind  of  mutual  confidence,  which  arises  from  a  long  know- 
Jedge  of  each   other,  was  wanting  between  himself  and  his 
men.     But  he  could  not  brook  the  thought  of  being  thus  de- 
hed.     On  the  1st  of  June  he  sailed  forth,  resolved  to  try  his 
tortune.     When  he  came  in  sight  of  the  Shannon,  he  made  a 
&nun  address  to  his  crew,  but  found  it  received  with  no  enthu- 
siasm ;  they  murmured,  alleging  as  the  cause  of  complaint  that 
their  prize  money  had  not  been  paid.     He  immediately  gave 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


148 


tT.nr^T'  ^?\  '^'T^  '"''P'''^^  ti.ey  were  now  conciliate 
of  iil^v  "s^^-'f?  ^'"'  "'  ^his  moment  almost  in  a  state 
ot  mutm>.  feovcral  iorcigncrs,  who  had  accidentally  found 
the.r  way  mto  the  crew,  had  succeeded  in  poisoning  their  mind" 
The  brave  Lawrence,  consulting  his  own  heart,  looked  on  v  to 
the  enemy  without,  and  not  to  the  enemy  within  ^ 

Ihebhannon  observing  the  Chesapeake,  put  to  sea,  and 
was  fodowed  by  her.     At  half  past  five,  the  Chesapeake  closed 
with  the  enemy  and  gave  him  a  broadside  ;  which  w'Ts  returned 
It  proved  equally  destructive  on  both  sides  ;  but  the  ChSapeake 
was  particularly  unfortunate  in  the  loss  of  officers  :  the  saS 
r   n'n'l^^'f'  ""'  ^'"^'^  '•  'i«"'—t Ballard,  mor  af;  w"  nl 
rence  himselt,  were  severely  wounded.     The  latter  althouirhTn 
great  pan,,  still  continued  t'o  give  orders.     A  se  ond  and  a  fhi  3 
broads.de  were  exchanged,  with  evident  advantage  on   he  side 
of  the  Chesapeake;  but  the  same  misfortune  in  the  loss  of  offi 
cers  contmued;  the  first  lieutenant,  Ludlow,  wastrSd  beW 

h^w  e'er^l'f  i.  T'  ''''''  "^^"  ^"^--'-'y  wer"sh;t1:om 
the  wheel.     A  ball  having  sti-uck  her  foresail,  so  that  she 

could  no  longer  answer  her  helm,  and  bein^  disabled  in  her 

sSf ;-dtc?or  Tt  '''  f""  '^'  ^""'^^  on t:  Shtn"non' 
dec  dS  the  conf-^  ''"'  ""'^  ^  considered  as  having 

ueciata  the  contest ;  an  opportun  ty  boincr  thus  mven  tn  thl 

Sr  to'  bo^'^^  ^  ^^^os4Lo,  anl  towa'rds  the'doTe  of  the 
woiindp?  ^^"f^'^^^-      Captain  Lawrence,  although  severely 
wounded    as  before  mentioned,  still  persisted  in  keeninaZ 
deck,  and  com.nanded  the  boarders  to  be  called  up;  atSmo 
ment  a  musket  ball  entering  his  body,  l,e  was  ca^i^ed  belovv" 

Lrmf;SmSof'rr^^^^^^^  ^'^••^^'  -hirLt  Ss 

Slip  Th. Tm  *  r^  American  navy.  Don't  give  up  the 
?  II  ;  .u  ^  °'^''''''''  ""^  ^^^  Chesapeake  boins  now  nearlv  nil 
killed,  the  command  devolved  on  lieutenant  Budd  who  called 

S'^o txe'uM'r  *  At^trT  ^'  ^^^^-^^"»  ^^«  ord"er  of  Wn 
^=.  iT?        •  ^l  *'"^  ^™^'  ^'^P'^'n  Brooke,  finding  that  his 
vessel  had  received  so  many  shots  between  wind  anduXtha! 

vhich'S^nS  f  'S^r'l"^'  •'^"'^  P^-^'-"g  thelnfu  on 
Which  reigned  on  board  the  American  ship,  threw  twentv  of  h;« 

ZZTuddZ'  °'  '^  Y"''  i--ediately^;ilow:d  them^  I'ie  ! 

non    bu^  hi  "        °T^  *^  '^°°*  ^'^  ^'««««1  clear  of  the  Shan- 

.rmutiniTf  A°°"s'"''  ^°"",^^^-.'  ""'^  ^  P^^'^  °f  the  crew  hav- 

IZ   ni^rr'^  "?  t  ^^"^'  ^"'^  ''^'  '^"^^d  on  bSard  W  own 
ship ,  and  lieutenant  Watt,  who  succeeded  him  in  the  command" 


m 


M 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


The  Shannon  CHpturos  the  Chcaapeake. 


was  killed ;  but  a  large  reinforcement  coming  to  the  assistance 
or  the  enemy,  they  gained  possession  of  the  deck,  and  soon 
after  hoisted  the  English  flag. 

In  this  sanguinary  conflict,  twenty-three  of  the  enemy  were 
killed,  and  fifly-six  wounded :  among  the  killed,  her  first  lieu- 
tenant, her  clerk  and  purser ;  and  among  the  wounded,  her 
captain.  On  board  the  Chesapeake,  the  captain,  the  first  and 
fourth  lieutenants,  the  lieutenant  cf  marines,  the  master,  mid- 
shipmen Hopewell,  Livingston,  Evans,  and  about  seventy 
•nen  were  killed  ;  and  the  second  and  third  lieutenants,  midship- 
men Weaver,  Abbot,  Nicholls,  Berry,  and  about  eighty  men, 
wounded.  The  greater  proportion  of  this  loss  was  sustained 
after  the  enemy  had  gained  the  deck.  The  British  have  been 
charged  with  cruel  and  ungenerous  conduct  towards  the  van- 
quished ;  and  we  could  wish  that  this  charge,  if  untrue,  had 
been  properly  repelled.  It  is  said  that,  after  the  Americans 
had  submitted,  the  work  of  destruction  was  continued ;  and 
fliat  the  treatment  of  the  prisoners  was  not  of  that  liberal  cha- 
racter which  might  have  been  expected  from  manly  victors. 
The  generosity  of  their  subsequent  conduct  leads  us  to  hope 
that  these  complaints  were  unfounded.  The  bodies  of  our 
naval  heroes,  Lawrenco  and  Ludlow,  on  their  arrival  at  Hali- 
fax, were  interred  with  every  honour,  civil,  naval,  and  mili- 
tary, which  could  be  bestowed ;  and  no  testimony  of  respect 
that  was  due  to  their  memories  was  left  unpaid.  They  were 
afterwards  brought  to  the  United  States,  by  Mr.  Crowninshield 
of  Boston,  at  his  own  expense,  in  a  vessel  manned  by  twelve 
masters  of  vessels,  who  volunteered  their  services  for  the  occa- 
sion ;  a  passport  having  been  readily  granted  for  this  purpose 
by  commodore  Hardy. 

The  less  of  the  Chesapeake  has  been  attributed  to  the  acci- 
dent of  her  falling  on  board  the  Shannon,  and  to  the  mutinous 
state  of  her  crew.  She  was  somewhat  inferior  in  force  also : 
but  this  ought  not  to  be  taken  into  consideration ;  for  until  the 
fatal  accident,  the  advantage  in  the  contest  was  decidedly  hers. 

Never  did  any  victory — not  the  victories  of  Wellington  in 
Spain,  nor  even  those  of  Nelson — call  forth  such  expressions 
of  joy,  on  the  part  of  the  British ;  a  proof  that  our  naval  cha- 
racter had  risen  somewhat  in  their  estimation.  In  the  United 
States  it  was  regarded  as  an  occurrence  which  proved  no  supe- 
riority in  the  enemy  ;  and  it  was  lamented  chiefly  for  the  ioss 
of  our  brave  officers. 

The  tide  of  fortune  seemed  for  a  short  time  to  set  in  favour  of 
Great  Britain.  On  the  4th  of  August,  another  of  our  national 
vessels  was  captured  by  the  enemy.     The  Argus,  after  carry- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


140 


\\: 


Tho  Pulican  captures  the  A 


rgu». 


linister  to  France, 


J  out  Mr.  Crawford, 
1813,  proceeded,  earl} 
nol,  where  she  continued  for  two  moniihs  Vo  conimil  greal^'ha." 
vock  on  tho  Bntish  shipping.  So  much  uneasiness  did  she 
cause,  that  the  Lnghsh  merchants  were  unable  to  effect  an  in- 
surance  on  their  vessels,  under  three  times  the  usual  premium. 
Ihe  British  government  was  induced,  at  last,  to  adopt  mea- 
sures  for  driving  off  this  daring  enemy.  On  the  14th,  at  four 
in  the  morning,  the  Pelican,  a  British  sloop  of  war  of  greater 
force  than  the  Argus,  obtained  sight  of  her  by  the  light  of  a  bria 
then  on  fire ;  and  immediately  prepared  to  attack  her.  At  live 
o clock,  the  action  commenced  at  the  distance  of  musket  shot: 

nl*  fu  r"^  ''J^  ''^^'i'"'  g'^Se.  At  the  first  broadside 
captain  Allen,  of  the  Argus,  fell,  severely  wounded,  but  remained 
on  deck  until  several  broadsides  were  exchanged,  when  he  was 
earned  below,  leaving  the  command  to  lieutenant  Watson.  At 
half  past  SIX,  the  rigging  of  tho  Argus  was  so  cut  up,  as  to  ren. 
der  her  almost  unmanageable ;  and  the  lieutenant  was  severely 
wT  w  '^i^"'';  '^^"^  command  now  devolved  on  lieutenant 
William  H.  Allen,  Jun.,  who  for  some  time,  by  great  exertion 
defeated  the  attempts  of  the  Pelican  to  gain  a  mking  position! 
At  thirty-five  minutes  past  six,  the  Argus,  having  lost  her  wheel 
ropes  and  running  rigging,  could  no  longer  be  manceuvred,  and 
the  Pelican  having  chosen  a  position  in  which  none  of  the  guns 
of  the  Argus  could  be  brought  to  bear  upon  her,  the  latter  had  no- 

thing  but  musketry  to  oppose  to  the  raking  broadsides  of  the  other. 
^}  'prty-seven  minutes  past  six,  she  surrendered,  with  the  loss 
ol  six  killed  and  seventeen  wounded.  On  board  the  Pelican 
there  were  three  killed,  and  five  wounded.  Captain  Allen,  and 
midshipmen  Delphy  and  Edwards,  died  soon  afierwards  in 
^ngland,  and  were  all  interred  with  the  honours  of  war.  The 
Pdican  was  a  sloop  of  tVventy  guns,  the  Argus  of  eighteen;  but 
tlie  victory,  m  this  instance,  may  fairly  be  awai^ded  to  the 
i^nglish.  Our  officers  and  men  did  their  duty ;  but  were  com- 
pelled  to  submit  to  a  more  fi.rtunate  adversary.  Captain  Allen 
was  justly  a  favourite  in  this  country,  and  his  memory  is  dear 
to  his  countrymen. 

By  letters  dated  early  in  July,  news  reached  the  United  States 
.from  captain  Porter,  that  he  had  captured  several  British  vessels 
in  the  South  Seas,  and  was  then  cruising  with  great  success. 
He  had  actually  created  a  fleet  of  nine  sail,  by  means  of  vessels 
captured  on  those  seas,  eight  of  which  had  been  letters  of 
marque  ;  and  was  completely  master  of  the  Pacific  ocean."  This 
may  be  regarded  as  a  novelty  in  naval  history  ;  and  there  is  lit- 
tie  doubt,  had  it  been  performed  by  an  English  naval  com. 

N 


I 


14U 


BUACKENIUDGE'S 


Cruiio  of  Porter  in  tb6  South  Beoa The  Enterprize  captiirei  the  Boxer. 


iiiandcr,  that  it  would  have  bocn  fipplaudod  to  thn  skies.  By 
none  of  our  comrnandera  was  there  so  much  injury  done  to 
British  commerce ;  and  aj^ainst  none  of  them  were  our  enemies 
so  profuse  in  their  invectives.  On  the  list  of  his  captures  were 
two  fine  English  ships,  pierced  for  twenty  guns  and  carrying  be- 
tween them  sixteen,  with  filty-five  men,  and  having  on  board 
a  considerable  sum  in  specie.  On  the  26th  of  March,  he  fell 
in  with  a  Spanish  ship,  the  Nercyda,  which  had  been  engaged 
in  capturing  \merican  ships :  he  took  the  literty  of  throwing 
her  guns  overboard,  and  libcirating  the  ships  and  prisoners  which 
the  pirate  had  captured.  This  is  probably  one  of  tiie  grounds 
upon  which  commodore  Porter  was  denominated  a  bucanier  by 
the  British. 

The  enemy  were  not  long  permitted  to  rejoice  in  the  con 
quest  of  the  Argus :  victory  once  more  returned  to  the  side  of 
justice,  "  free  trade  and  sailors'  rights."  The  American  brig 
Enterprize,  lieutenant  commandant  William  Burrows,  sailed 
from  Portsmouth  on  a  cruise,  about  the  1st  of  September.  On 
the  5th,  a  large  man  of  war  brig  was  discovered,  to  wliich  she 
gave  chase.  The  enemy,  after  firing  some  guns,  stood  for 
the  Enterprize  with  several  ensigns  hoisted.  She  proved  to  ba 
the  Boxer,  of  a  force  somewhat  superior  to  that  of  the  Enter- 
prize.  A  little  after  three,  the  firing  commenced  on  both  sides 
within  pistol  shot.  After  the  action  had  continued  fifteen  min- 
utes, the  Enterprize  ranged  ahead,  and  raked  her  for  the  space 
of  twenty  minutes.  At  the  end  of  this  period,  the  enemy 
ceased  firing,  and  cried  for  quarter ;  being  unable  to  haul  down 
her  flag,  as  it  had  been  nailed  to  the  mast.  The  Enterprize  had 
thirteen  wounded  and  one  killed,  but  that  one  was  the  lamented 
Burrows.  He  fell  at  the  commencement  of  the  action,  but 
refused  to  quit  the  deck.  He  had  requested  that  the  flag  might 
never  be  struck;  and  when  the  sword  of  the  <  nemy  was  pre- 
sented to  him,  he  clasped  it  to  his  breast,  and  exclaimed  wi^h 
enthusiasm,  "  I  die  contented."  Then,  and  not  till  then,  would 
he  permit  himself  to  be  carried  below.  The  British  loss  was 
much  more  considerable,  but  was  not  iroperly  ascertained  :  it 
was  supposed,  however,  that  betwecr  thirty  and  forty  of  the 
crew  of  the  Boxer  were  killed  and  wounded  ;  among  the  former 
her  commander,  captain  Blythe.  The  bravado  of  nailinj^  the 
flag  to  the  mast  was  an  additional  proof  of  the  new  light  \v 
which  the  Americans  were  now  held  by  an  enemy,  which  be- 
fore  afTected  to  despise  them.  The  two  commanders,  both  most 
promising  youncj  men,  were  interred  beside  'ach  other  nt  Port» 
land,  with  military  honours. 

On  the  26th  of  September,  the  President,  commodore  Rod- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


147 


Crul»e  of  Rodgeri-of  the  Uongrc-n  .  ■  T. American  Privtteen 


gors,  arrivod  nt  Newport,  Rhode  Isliinil,  nrter  a  cruiso  of  un- 
ii.^iml  length.  lie  had  put  to  sea  on  the  JJOth  of  April,  in  company 
with  the  Congress,  captain  Smith.  Afb-r  cruising'  oil" our  eoast 
without  any  important  occurrence,  the  commodore  |)arled  from 
the  Congri-ss  on  the  8th  of  May,  and  shaped  his  course  so  aa 
to  mtercept  the  British  trade  in  the  West  Indies.  Meeting  with 
no  success,  he  stood  towards  the  Azores,  where  he  conTinued 
until  the  0th  of  June,  witlnuit  encountering  any  of  the  enemy's 
vessels.  He  now  sailed  in  the  direction  of  England  ;  and 
made  four  captures  between  the  !)th  and  l.'Jth  of  June.  He 
next  cruised  in  the  track  from  Newfoundland  to  St.  (Jeorge's 
Channel,  without  meeting  a  single  vessel ;  and  being  short 
of  provisions  put  into  North  Bergen  on  the  27th  ol"  June. 
Thence  he  steered  towards  the  Orkneys,  to  intercept  a  convoy 
from  Archangel ;  but  about  the  middle  of  July,  when  in  mo- 
mentary  expectation  of  meeting  with  it,  ho  was  chased  by  a 
ship  of  the  line  and  a  frigate  for  several  days.  Having  effected 
his  escape,  he  next  placed  himself  in  the  direction  of  the  trade 
passing  out  of  and  info  the  Irish  Channel.  In  this  position  he 
made  three  captures  ;  when  finding  that  the  enemy  had  a  supe- 
rior force  near  at  hand,  he  made  a  circuit  round  Ireland,  and 
steering  for  the  banks  of  Newfoundland,  made  two  captures 
there.  On  the  23d  of  September  he  captured,  in  o  singular 
manner,  the  British  schooner  Highflyer,  tender  to  admiral  War- 
ren.  On  her  approach  to  the  President,  she  hoisted  a  private 
signal,  which  was  answered  by  one  the*  chanced  to  be  the  Bri- 
tish  signal  for  that  day  :  she  accordingly  bore  down  and  was 
captured.  By  this  means  the  British  private  signals,  and  admi- 
ral Warren's  instructions,  ^^  obtained;  and  the  commodore 
was  enabled  to  avoid  their  squadrons  on  the  coast.  He  soon 
ader  arrived  at  Newport.    . 

The  Congress,  after  parting  from  the  President,  continued 
at  sea  until  the  12th  ot"  December,  when  she  arrived  at 
Portsmouth,  New  Hampshire.  She  had  cruised  chiefly  on  the 
coast  of  South  Auierica,  and  had  captured  a  number  of  the 
enemy's  vessels,  among  which  were  two  armed  brigs  of  ten 
guns  each. 

It  has  already  been  said,  that  the  character  of  our  flag  at 
sea,  was  su[)ported  not  merely  by  our  national  vessels :  there 
were  numerous  instances  in  which  our  private  cruisers  acquit- 
ted  themselves  in  a  manner  which  entitled  them  to  honourable 
notice.     The  public  attention,  however,  was  so  much  occupied 

^■•"  —  ' "'i  •"-"•-  luc  latter  puriiups  uiu  not  receive  a  due 

share  of  applause.    A  £ey/  instances  may  now  be  selected  frorr. 
among  many     Perhaps  no  action  during  the  war  displayed 


Ifi 


1! 


i 


148 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


American  Privateers Tiie  Decatur  captures  the  Dominica. 


more  daring  courage,  and  greater  superiority  of  seamanship 
than  the  engagement  of  captain  Boyle,  of  the  Comet,  with  a  Por- 
tuguese brig,  and  three  armed  merchantmen.    After  encounter- 
ing  them  all,  and  fighting  them  for  several  hours,  he  compelled 
one  of  the  merchantmen  to  surrender,  and  the  brig  to  sheer  off, 
although  of  double  the  force  of  the  Comet.    This  would  appear 
almost  incredible,  if  the  details  were  not  perfectly  authenticated. 
On  the  1 1th  of  March,  off  Surinam,  the  General  Armstrong 
discovered  a  sail  which  she  supposed  to  be  a  letter  of  marque, 
and  after  giving  her  a  broadside,  and  wearing  to  give  another, 
to  her  surprise  she  found  herself  alongside  of  a  frigate,  which 
soon   opened   such   a   heavy  fire,  as  would    have   sunk    the 
schooner,  had  she  not  succeeded  in  making  her  escape- 
On  the  15th  of  August,  the  privateer  Decatur,  being  on  a 
cruise,  discovered  a  ship  and  a  schooner :  the  first  proved  to 
be  the  British  packet,  the  Princess  Charlotte;  the  other  the 
British  vessel  of  war,  the  Dominica.     She  immediately  stood 
towards  them,  and  soon  found  herself  abreast  of  the  schooner. 
Both  vessels  continued  to  manoeuvre  for  two  or  three  hours ; 
the  Dominica   endeavouring   to  escape,  and   the  Decatur  to 
board :  during  which  time  several  broadsides  were  fired  by  the 
former,  and  some  shot  from  the  large  gun  of  the  latter.     The 
Decatur  at  last  succeeded  in  boarding ;  a  number  of  her  men 
passing  by  means  of  her  bowsprit  into  the  stern  of  the  enemy. 
The  fire  from  the  artillery  and  musketry  was  now  terrible, 
being  well  supported  on  both  sides.     The  Dominica  not  being 
able  to  disengage  herself,  dropped  alongside,  and  was  boarded 
by  the  whole  crew  of  the  Decatur.     Fire-arms  now  became 
useless,  and  the  crews  fought   hand  to  hand  with  cutlasses. 
The  officers  of  the  Dominica  being  all  killed  or  wounded,  she 
was  forced  to  surrender.    As  soon  as  the  combat  was  over,  the 
Princess  Charlotte  tacked  about  and  escaped. 

The  Decatur  was  armed  with  six  twelve-pound  carronades, 
and  one  eighteen-pounder  on  a  pivot,  with  one  hundred  and 
three  men.  Her  loss  was  three  killed,  and  sixteen  wounded. 
The  Dominica  had  twelve  twelve-pound  carronades,  two  long 
sixes,  one  brass  four-pounder,  and  one  thirty-two  pound  car- 
ronade  on  a  pivot,  with  eighty-three  men.  She  had  thirteen 
killed,  and  forty-seven  wounded.  The  surviving  officers  of 
the  Dominica  attributed  their  defeat  to  the  masterly  manoeu- 
vring of  the  Decatur,  and  the  superior  skill  of  her  crew  in  the 
use  of  musketry.  The  captain  of  the  Dominica,  a  young 
man  Oi  about  twenty-five  years  of  age,  was  wounded  early  in 
the  action ;  but  he  fought  to  the  last  moment,  declaring  that  he 
would  surrender  his  vessel  only  with  his  life. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


149 


Affairi  onheWBst^.  ■ Patriotic  Eiithuaiagm  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky. 


The  Decatur  arrived  at  Charlestown  with  her  prize,  on  the 
20th  of  August.  It  is  pleasing  to  record,  that  in  this  instance 
our  brave  turs  did  not  depart  from  their  accustomed  generosity. 
The  surviving  officers  of  the  Dominica  spoke  in  Ihe  highest 
terms  of  the  humanity  and  attention  which  they  experienced 
from  the  victors. 


CHAPTER  XI. 


Affairs  of  the  West  -  Patriotic  Enthusiasm  of  Ohio  and  Kentucky -Governor 
Shelby-Character  of  the  Kentuckians-Gallant  Defence  of  Fort  Sandusky  by  Major 
Croghan-Humune  Conduct  of  the  Besieged-Tecumseh  raises  the  Siege  of  Fort 
Meigs-Naval  Preparations  on  Lake  Erie-Commodore  Perry  sails  with  his  Fleet- 
Battle  of  Lake  Erie-Gallant  Behaviour  of  Perry-Capture  of  the  Enemy's  whole 
Squadron-"  We  have  met  the  Enemy,  and  they  are  ours-'-North- western  Army 
reinforced-Capture  of  Maiden-Skirmish  at  Chatham-Battle  of  the  Thames-Cap. 
ture  of  the  British  Regulars-Colonel  Johnson  wounded-Death  of  Tecumseh-Cha- 
racter  of  Tecumseh-Escape  of  General  Proctor-Public  Testimonials  of  Respect  to 
General  Harrison-Generous  Treatment  of  the  British  Prisoners-of  the  Savages- 
Correspondence  between  General  Harrison  and  General  Vincent. 

In  the  midst  of  the  various  occurrences  of  the  war  on  the 
northern  frontier,  on  the  seaboard  and  on  the  ocean,  important 
preparations  were  making  to  the  westward ;  and  although  the 
spring  and  summer  had  elapsed  without  the  occurrence  of  any 
incident  in  this  quarler  worthy  of  record,  they  had  not  passed 
inactively.  The  general  attention  was  now  turned  towards  it 
with  much  anxiety;  and  the  armies  of  the  Niagara  and  the  St. 
Lawrence  remained  almost  with  folded  arms.nwaiting  the  respec- 
tive results  of  Harrison's  campaign,  and  of  the  contest  for  the 
command  of  Lake  Erie  The  British,  aware  of  the  conse- 
quences of  defeat,  laboured  with  great  assiduity  to  strengthen 
themselves  ;  and  the  reinforcements  continually  arriving  at  '^-rt 
George,  were  evidently  destined  to  follow  up  the  advantages  ^ 
which  Proctor,  in  conjunction  with  the  commander  on  the  lake. 

In  the  m'eanwhile,  the  people  of  the  neighbouring  state* 
of  Kentucky  and  Ohio  were  excited  in  a  surprising  degree 
Had  It  b^n  necessary,  they  would  have  risen  en  masse;  for 


16C 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


|! 


Governor  Shelby Character  of  the  Kentuckiane. 


almost  every  man  capable  of  bearing  a  musket,  was  ready  to 
march.     The  governor  of  Ohio  had  scarce  issued  his  procla- 
mation  for  volunteers  (for  the  legal  obligation  to  render  military 
service  was  no  longer  enforced),  when  fifteen  thousand  men, 
completely  armed  and  equipped— a  number  five  times  greater 
than  was    required— presented    themselves.     The  venerable 
governor  of  Kentucky,  Shelby,  a  revolutionary  hero,  and  the 
iNestor  of  the  war,  made  it  known  that  he  would  put  himself 
at  the  head  of  the  injured  citizens  of  that  state,  and  lead  them 
to  seek  revenge  for  the  murder  of  their  relatives  and  friends  : 
but   he   limited  the   number  of  volunteers  to  four  thousand. 
1  he  territory  embraced  by  the  state  of  Kentucky,  called  bv 
the  natives  "  the  dark  and  bloody  ground,"  sixty  years  ago  was 
an  uninhabited  forest ;  and  had  been,  from  time  immemorial,  the 
theatre  of  sanguinary  Indian  wars.     At  this  day,  it  blooms  be- 
neath the  hand  of  agriculture ;  and  is  filled  with  beautiful  towns 
and  villages— the  abodes  of  peace  and  opulence.     The  inha- 
bitants  are   derived   principally  from  those  of  Virginia   and 
JNorth  Carolina.    Living  in  abundance  and  at  their  ease,  and 
remote  from  the  sweats  of  commerce,  they  had  imbibed  less  of 
loreign  attachments  and  feelings,  than  any  of  our  people ;  and 
were  in-bu^  with  a  purer  enthusiasm  for  the  institutions  of 
ireedom.     To  an  enlightened  manliness  of  mind,  they  united  a 
romantic  cast  of  character,  arising  from  the  independence  of 
their  situation  and  the  absence  of  too  close  an  intercourse  .-  ith 
the  sordid  world.     Possessing  not  a  little  of  the  chivalric  in  their 
generous  and  hospitable  deportment,  and  fearing  dishonour  more 
than  danger;   they  were  benevolent  and  disinterested  in  the 
extreme.     Had  the  elder  brethren  of  our  confederacy  acted  in 
any  respect  as  did  this  younger  member,  the  Canadas  would 
nave  been  ours. 

The  transactions  which  are  now  to  be  related,  may  justly  bf 
ranked  among  the  most  pleasing  to  our  national  pride,  of  anv 
which  took  place  during  the  war.  The  campaign  opened  with 
an  dfiuir,  which,  though  comparatively  of  small  consequence 
was  characterized  by  the  most  brilliant  bravery.  This  was  the 
unparalleled  defence  of  Fort  Sandusky,  by  a  youth  of  twenty-onf 
years  of  age.  In  August,  and  before  the  arrival  of  the  Ohio 
and  Kentucky  volunteers,  which  did  not  take  place  until  thp 
lollowing  month,  threatening  movements  had  been  made  upcn 
all  the  different  forts  established  by  the  Americans  on  the  river? 
which  fall  into  Lake  Rrifi.  Aflor  thp  s''p"p  of  Pnrf  H'— •—  t^- 
untish  had  received  considerable  reinforcements  of  regulai 
troops,  and  also  of  Indians  under  their  great  leader  Tecumseh. 
it  was  all-important  to  reduce  these  forts  before  the  arrival  of  the 


HISTORl  01  THE  WAR. 


151 


Gallant  Defence  of  Fort  Sandusky  by  Major  Croghan. 


itrsTn  'J*'""J^.''«-  ^^P'  Croghan,  then  commanding  at  Ud- 
per  Sandusky,  having  received  intimations  that  the  enemy  were 
about  to  invest  the  fort  of  Lower  Sandusky,  marched  to  this 
kt^er  place  with  some  additional  force.     He  occupied  hmsSf 

S  tgronr'adH-r"  pV'""S  '•• '"  *^^  ^^^^  PosturLf  defence; 
but  the  only  addition  of  importance,  which  the  time  would 
allow  him  to  make  was  a  ditch  six  feet  deep  and  nine  fit  Se 

Hotd  h  V'^'"'"'^  °^P?^^^  by  ^^'^h  the  fort  wos  enclosed' 
He  had  but  one  six-pounder;  and  about  one  hundred  ard  si-cy 

ShZr  I  P^.'°r  'fg"'^""''  """^  °^  detachment,  of  the 
Pittsburgh  and  Petersburgh  volunteers :  while  his  sligi>t  and 
hastily  cons  ructed  fortifications  afforded  but  a  weak  defence 

tifaM:  to'H";'^;..^T^"'  Harrison,  not  conceiving  It  pmc' 
ticable  to  defend  he  place,  ordered  young  Croghan  to  retire  on 
the  approach  of  the  enemy,  after  destrojfng  til  works      By  a 

mTth*;  )I  '5  T  TJ^"^^^  ^^  ^^"  '"'°  ^^«  h^"ds  of  the  ene- 
my,   he  latter  declared  his  unwillingness  to  obey,  as  he  was 

CroVhl  '""^  /^'  ^°''-  ■^^''  '•^^^^•"g  the  general  he  sentTor 
autht-i.  '  '.°"  T'u"^  satisfactory  explanations,  fully 
authcrif^  t  to  make  the  attempt.  ' 

On  «f  August,  general  Proctor,  having  left  a  lartre 

body  01  xnaians  under  Tecumseh  to  keep  up  thi  appearance 

tyT  '^^''''  ^''^''  '^"'^^'^  ^'  Sandusky  wUh  about  ?ve 
flrt  2"'^'!,'  '"'"I!  5""*^^^^  ^"^^«"«'  ^"d  some  gun  boats! 
tli?  rptrL^nnT^*^^  '"'''  dispositions  of  his  troops  asSendered 
the  retreat  of  the  garrison  impractica'ole,  he  sent  a  flag  by  colo- 
nel  Elliot  and  major  Chambers,  deaianding  a  surrender,  accom- 
panied  with  the  usual  threats  of  butchery  and  m^acre  if  the 
EnT  Ti'  '^''  T'  S^SLan,  whoLnd  that  al?  his  com! 
ff  »"^?^~''^.''''P'•"?^"''"  himself,  would  support  him  to 
he  las  ,  returned  a  spirited  answer:  to  the  effect  that,  "when 
the  fort  should  be  taken,  there  would  be  none  left  to  m^ssrcre" 
as  It  would  not  be  given  up  while  a  man  was  able  to  fight."  ' 
When    he  flag  returned,  a  brisk  fire  was  opened  from  six- 

tTS  "/^  t^'^'  '"^  "  ^°"''^^^'  ^^'^"^  -«^kept  up  during 
the  night.     In  the  morning,  it  was  discovered  that  thr^  sixes 

Sr<i  n'nH  S"'''^'  T^'J  ?"  ''''''  °^  '^'  "'ght,  within  two  hun! 
dred  and  fifty  yards  of  the  pickets;  which  shortly  after  com- 

TrToon  T'  '"*  "''.  "'-''^  '^'''-     Ab«"t  «^-  ollock  in  the 
norZS       1  ^"^"?y  j'^v'ng  concentrated  his  fire  against  the 
northwest  angle  of  the  fort,  with  the  intention  of  rr,nkin4  H..o.h 
inf  ""'"^J'^tely  strengthened  by  means  of  bags  of  flour  and 
sand.     At  the  same  time,  the  six-pounder,  the  only  piece  of 

covitT ;?  '*'  ^^'!'ri  '"'^^""J^  ^°"^««'^^  •"  the  bastion  which 
covered  the  point  to  be  assailed,  and  loaded  with  slugs  and 


152 


BRaCKENRIDGE'S 


Gallant  Defence  of  Von  Sandueky Humane  Conduct  of  the  Lesicgcd. 


grape.  About  five  hundred  of  the  enemy  now  advanced  to 
assail  the  part  where  it  was  supposed  the  pickets  had  been 
injured :  at  the  same  time  making  several  feints,  to  draw  the 
att'  i^ion  of  he  besieged  from  the  real  point  of  attack.  Their 
for>:e  being  thus  disposed,  a  column  of  three  hundred  and  fifty 
men,  who  were  so  enveloped  in  smoke  as  not  to  be  seen  until 
they  approached  within  twenty  paces  of  the  lines,  advanced 
rapidly  to  the  assault.  A  fire  of  musketry  from  the  fort, 
threw  them  for  a  moment  into  confusion  ;  but  they  were  quickly 
rallied  by  colonel  Short  their  commander,  who  sprung  over  the 
j)uter  works  into  the  ditch,  and  commanded  his  men°to  follow, 

crying  out,  "  Give  the  d d  Yankees  no  quarter !"     Scarcely 

had  th  se  words  escaped  his  lips,  when  the  six-pounder  opened 
upon  them  a  most  destructive  fire ;  killing  their  barbarous  leader 
and  twenty  others,  and  wounding  as  many  more.  A  volley  of 
musketry  was,  at  the  same  time,  fired  upon  those  who  had  not 
descended.  The  officer  who  succeeded  Short,  exasperated  at 
being  thus  treated  by  a  few  boys,  formed  the  broken  column 
anew,  and  again  rushed  to  the  ditch.  The  six-pounder  was  a 
second  time  played  on  them  with  the  same  success  as  before ; 
and  the  small  arms  were  discharged  so  rapidly,  that  they  were 
again  thrown  into  confusion,  and,  in  spite  of  the  exertions  of 
their  officers,  fled  to  an  adjoining  wood,  whither  they  were  soon 
followed  by  the  Indians.  Shortly  afterwards,  the  assailants 
abandoned  the  attack.  Panic-struck,  they  retreated  to  their 
boats,  in  sullen  silence ;  scarcely  daring  to  cast  their  eyes  to- 
\yards  the  fatal  spot,  where  they  had  been  so  signally  chas- 
tised by  a  force  scarce  a  tenth  of  theirs  in  number. 

If  this  gallant  defence  deserved  the  applause  of  the  brave,  the 
subsequent  conduct  of  the  besieged  was  well  entitled  to  the 
praise  of  every  friend  of  humanity.  Forgetting  in  a  moment 
that  they  had  been  assailed  by  merciless  foes,  who  sought 
to  massucre  them  without  regarding  the  laws  of  honourable 
war,  the  little  band  felt  only  the  desire  of  relieving  the  wounded 
rnen  who  had  been  left  behind  by  the  enemy.  During  the 
night,  provisions  and  buckets  of  water  were  handed  over  the 
pickets ;  and,  by  an  opening  which  was  made,  many  of  the 
sufferers  were  tsken  in  and  immediately  supplied  with  surgical 
aid  :  and  this,  although  a  firing  w  3  still  kept  up  with  small  arms 
by  the  enemy  for  a  part  of  the  time. 

The  loss  of  the  garrison  amounted  to  one  killed  and  seven 
wounded.  That  of  the  enemy  could  not  havo  been  less  than 
one  hundred  and  fiily  :  upwardc  of  fifty  were  found  in  and  about 
the  ditch.  It  was  discovered  next  rnorning,  that  the  enemy 
had  hastily  retreated;  leaving  a  boat,  a  considerable  quantity  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


168 


_Tecumseh  raiaeMhjjiege^rForlMeigs  -^^^Nav.!  Preparation,  on  L^liTEJir" 

military  stores,  and  upwards  of  seventy  stand  of^imir.  The 
Americans  were  engaged,  during  the  day,  in  burying  the  dead 
with  the  honours  of  war,  and  providing  for  the  wounded. 

nnt  f  K  ?f  ^M  %  ""^  ^"'ft  '^"^  admiration  of  all  parties  through, 
out  the  United  States.  Major  Croghan.  togethi  with  his  com- 
panions,  captain  Hunter,  heutenants  Johnson  and  Baylor,  and 
ensigns  Shipp  and  Duncan  (afterwards  governor  of  Illinois) 
Twinf  ^r^";.^^"th  ;^-™?"''  ^"'hony  and  Anderson,  of  the 
Twenty.fourth;  and  Meeks,  of  the  Seventh;  and  the  other 
officers  and  volunteers,  were  highly  complimented  by  general 
Harrison.  They  afterwards  received  thi  thanks  of  congress. 
Major  Croghan  was  promoted  to  the  rank  of  lieutenant-coTonel, 
and  was  presented  with  an  elegant  sword  by  the  ladies  of  Chil- 
licothe.     Aee  Engraving,  page  108  ante. 

Pn?M  •  r  n ''  "'f^'''  Tecumseh,  liaving  raised  the  siege  of 
Fort  Meigs,  followed  Proctor  to  Detroit ;  an"d  all  hope  was  given 
nonfj  T""^  of  reducing  the  American  forts,  until  they 
could  gain  the  ascendancy  on  the  lake. 

P  Jl'fn  p'"""^  exertions  had  been  made,  ia  the  meanwhile,  by 

Rv  kp^^a'  *°  '°T''^  '^^  "^^^1  armament  on  Lake  Ene^ 
By  the  2d  of  August,  the  fleet  was  equipped ;  but  some  time  was 
ost  in  getting  s^everal  of  the  vessels  over  the  bar  at  the  mouth  of 
the  harbour  of  Erie.  On  the  4th,  he  sailed  in  quest  of  the  enemy  • 
but  not  meeting  him,  he  returned  on  the  8tL  After  recSg 
sSZT'flf  "''''^''  ^°"Sht  by  captain  Elliot,  he  again 
du  kv  H^rP  h  ;  ""f  '"  'i^  ^^'^  ""^'^•^'•^'^ '"  ^he  bay  of  Ian- 
.Zil'  ^-  ^"^  ^°.°^.'"  ''^°"*  ^^^"*y  volunteer  marines,  and 
again  went  m  search  of  the  enemy ;  and  after  cruising  oft"  Md- 

Pon:'ff  1-  ^  P"Mn-Bay,  a  distance  of  thirty  miles.     H^^  fleet 
consisted  of  the  brig  Lawrence,  his  flag  vessel,  of  twenty  guns 
the  Niagara,  captain  Elliot,  of  twenty!  the  Caledonian,  lieu te^ 

of  loth'/s '"''"'  ^'^T''^^"^^^  the  Scorpion, 

,  ^^%^.^^^  Somers,  of  two  guns  and  two  swivels:  the 
sloop  Tnppe,  and  schooners  Tigress  and  Porcupine,  of  one 
gun  each  :  amountmg  in  all  to  nine  vessels,  fifty-fiur  guns  and 
two  swivels.  On  the  morning  of  the  10th  of  September,  the 
d?oT.^  W  t""''''f  ^r'^'S  ^°^»  "P°"  '^«  American    qua! 

meet  'hL  tH'"'"'''^  K  ?^f  ''''^'  ^"^  ''^^  '^"^  'o 
n!ulh  L,  Tk  ^?^^"^«"«  h«d  three  vessels  more  than  the 
Sze  nnd  fhl  ^^■\^^^«"tage  was  fully  counterbalanced  by  the 
size  and  the  number  of  guns,  of  those  of  the  enemy.  The  fleet 
of  the  latter  consisted  of  the  Detroit,  commodore  Barclay,  of 
mneteen  guns  and  two  howitzers ;  the  Queen  Charlotte,  capiain 

nant  Buohan,  of  thirteen  guns  and  two  howif"ers;   the  brig 


m 


(.  ■ 


154 


BRACKENUIDGE'S 


Battle  of  Lake  Eric Gallant  Behaviour  of  Commodore  Perry. 


Hunter,  of  ten  guns  ;  the  sloop  Little  Belt,  of  three  guns  ;  and 
the  si-'hooucr  Cliippewa,  of  one  gun  and  two  swivels:  in  all, 
six  vessels,  sixty-three  guns,  four  howitzers  and  two  swivels. 

When  the  Americans   stood  out,  the  British  fleet  had  the 
weather  gage ;  hut  the  wind  soon  aller  changed,  and  brought 
the  American  fleet  to  windward.     The  line  of  battle  was  Ibnii- 
ed  at  eleven ;  and  at  fifleen  minutes  before  twelve,  the  enemy's 
flag  ship,  and  the  Queen  Charlotte,  opened  their  fire  upon  the 
Lawrence ;  which  she  sustained  for  ten  minutes,  before  she  was 
near  enough  for  her  guns,  which  were  carronados,  to  return  it. 
She  continued  to  bear  up,  making  signals  for  the  other  vessels  to 
hasten  to  her  support ;  and  at  five  minutes  before  twelve,  brought 
her  guns  to  bear  U])on  the  enemy.     Unfortunately,  the  wfnd 
being  light,  the  smaller  vessels  of  the  squadron  could  not  come 
up  to  her  assistance ;  and  she  was  compelled  to  contend,  for 
two  hcurs,  with  two  ships  each  nearly  equal  to  her  in  force. 
The  contest  was,  notwithstanding,  maintained  by  ]ier  with  un- 
shaken courage,  and  with  a  coolness  which  deserves  the  high- 
est admiration.     By  this  time  the  Lawrence  had  become  entirely 
unmanageable.     Every  gun  in  the  brig  being  dismounted ;  and 
with  the  exception  of  four  or  five,  her  whole  crow  cither  killed 
or  wounded  ;  Perry  determined  to  leave  her.     With  a  presence 
of  mind  which  drew  forth  the  prais.3  of  the  gallant  oflicer  to 
whom  he  was  opposed,  he  sprung  into  his  bont,  and  heroically 
waving  his  sword,  passed  unhurt  to  the  Niagara,  carrying  his 
flag  with  him.     At  the  moment  he  reached  the  Niagara,  thtTflag 
•of  the  Lavi^rence  came  down.     She  was  utterly  unable  to  make 
fijrther  resistance ;  and  it  would  have  been  a  wanton  waste  of  the 
remaining  lives,  to  continue  the  contest.     Captain  Elliot  now 
left  the  Niagara,  with  the  view  of  bringing  up  the  rest  of  the 
fleet ;  while  Perry  again  bore  down  among  t«ie  enemy  in  a  ship 
which  had  as  yet  taken  no  share  in  the  action      As  he  passed 
ahead  of  the  Detroit,  Queen  Charlotte  and  Lacy  Prevost,  he 
poured  into  each  a  broadside  from  his  starboard  side  ;  and  from 
his  larboard  fired  into  the  T'hippewa  and  Little  Belt.     To  one  of 
the  vessels — the  Lady  Prevost,  which  he  approached  within 
half  pistol    shot,  the  fire  was   so  destructive,  that    her   men 
were  compelled  to  run  below.     At  this  moment  the  wind  fresh- 
ening, the  Caledonia  came  up,  and  opened  her  fire  ;  and  several 
others  of  the  squadron  were  enabled  soon  after  to  do  the  same. 
For  a  time,  this  novel  and  important  combat  raged  with  inde- 
scribable violence  aud  fury.     The  result  of  a  campaign,  the 
command  of  a  sua,  the  glory  and  renown  of  two  nval  nations 
matched  for  the  first  time  in  squadron,  were  at  issue.     The 
contest  was  not  long  doubtful.     The  Queen  Charlotte,  having 


I 


ni 


-jj 


HISTORY  OF  THE  VVAIl. 


167 


f 


Capture  of  the  Enamy't  Squtdron  ■  ■  "We  have  met  the  Enemy,  and  they  are  oura,' 

lost  her  captain  and  all  her  principal  oflicers,  by  some  mis- 
chance  ran  foul  of  the  Detroit.  By  this  accident  the  greater  part 
of  their  guns  were  rendered  useless ;  and  the  two  ships  were 
now  m  turn  compelled  to  sustain  an  incessant  fire  from  the 
Niagara,  and  the  other  vessels  of  the  American  squadron.  The 
flag  of  captain  Barclay  soon  struck;  and  the  Queen  Charlotte, 
the  Lady  Prevost,  the  Hunter  and  the  Chippewa  surrendered 
in  immediate  succession :  the  Little  Belt  attempted  to  escape, 
but  was  pursued  by  two  gun-boats  and  captured. 

Thus,  after  a  contest  of  three  hours,  was  a  naval  victory 
achieved,  in  which  every  vessel  of  the  enemy  was  captured. 
If  any  thing  could  enhance  its  brilliancy,  it  was  the  modest 
manner  m  which  it  was  announced  by  the  incomparable  Perry: 
We  have  met  the  Enemy,  and  they  are  oubs,  were  his 
words.  Great  Britain  had  already  been  defeated  in  single  com- 
bat j  she  was  now  beaten  in  squadron.  The  carnage  in  this 
affair  was  very  great  in  proportion  to  the  numbers  engaged. 
Ihe  Americans  had  twenty -seven  killed,  and  ninety-six 
wounded :  among  the  former,  were  lieutenant  Brooks  of  the 
marines,  and  midshipman  Laub ;  among  the  latter,  lieutenant 
Yarnall,  sailing-master  Taylor,  purser  Hamilton  and  midship- 
men Claxton  and  Swartwout.  The  loss  of  the  British  was 
about  two  hundred  in  killed  and  wounded ;  many  of  whom 
were  officers:  and  the  prisoners,  amounting  to  six  hundred, 
exceeded  the  whole  number  of  the  Americans.  Commodore 
Barclay,  a  gallant  sailor,  one  of  whose  arms  had  been  shot  off 
at  the  battle  of  Trafalgar,  was  severely  wounded  in  the  hip, 
and  lost  the  use  of  his  remaining  arm. 

The  news  of  this  event  was  received  with  unbounded  demon- 
strations  of  joy.  All  party  feelings  were  for  a  moment  forgot- 
ten; and  the  glorious  occurrence  was  celebrated  bv  illuminations 
and  festivals,  from  one  end  of  the  continent  to  the  other. 

It  is  highly  gratifying  to  know,  that  the  treatment  of  the 
British  prisoners  was  such,  as  to  call  forth  their  thanks.  Cap- 
tain Barclay  declared,  that  «  the  conduct  of  commodore  Perry 
towards  the  captive  officers  and  men,  was  sufficient,  of  itself, 
to  immortalize  him." 

The  Americans  having  thus  obtained  pos-iession  of  the  lake, 
active  preparations  were  immediately  m^-^de  for  expelling 
Proctor  from  Maiden  and  for  the  recovery  o:  Detroit.  Gene- 
j;^' "^J'^'spn  now  called  on  governor  Meigs  for  a  portion  of  the 
OhiQ  militia,  spoken  of  in  a  former  page ;  the  whole  of  which 
had  not  as  yet  been  disbanded.  On  the  17th  of  September,  four 
thousand  volunteers,  the  flower  of  Kentucky,  with  the  venerable 
governor  of  that  state,  Isaac  Sljolbv,  the  hero  of  King's  Mouq. 


-'TTTllinra'iTlMTrilTiiTiTfi  li'iVi'i  II 


158 


niiACKliXUlDCiE'd 


Norlliwestern'Ariny  reinrorccd  .•.  ■  Capture  of  Maiden  ....  Skirmitili  at  Chatham. 

tain,  at  tlicir  Jicud,  arrived  at  the  camp.  Tlius  rcinforoed, 
general  Harrison  determined  to  embark  the  infantry  on  board 
the  fleet  for  Maiden  ;  and  directed  colonel  R.  M.  Johnson  to 
proceed  with  hi.s  mounted  regiment  of  Kentuekians  to  Detroit 
by  land.  The  latter  accordingly  marched  ;  but  on  approaching 
the  river  Raisin,  they  halted  some  time  to  contemplate  the  tragic 
spot.  The  feelings  which  they  experienced  on  this  occasion 
cannot  be  described ;  for  many  of  them  had  lost  friends  and 
relations  here.  The  mourners  collected  the  still  unburied  bones 
of  the  victiniH,  and  consigned  them  to  one  common  grave,  with 
the  most  aflecting  demonsti.ifions  of  grief. 

On  the  l27th,  the  troops  were  received  on  board,  and  on  the 
same  day  reached  a  point  below  Maiden.  The  British  general 
had  in  the  meanwhile  destroyed  the  fort  and  public  stores,  and 
had  retreated  along  the  Thames,  towards  the  Moravian  villages, 
together  with  Tecuinseh's  Indians.  When  the  American  army 
arrived  at  Maiden,  a  number  of  females  came  out  to  implore  the 
protection  of  their  general.  This  was  unnecessary  ;  for  gen- 
eral Harrison  had  given  orders  that  even  Proctor,  if  taken, 
should  not  be  hurt ;  and  governor  Shelby  had  issued  an  address 
to  the  Kentucky  volunteers,  in  which  he  said,  "  while  the 
army  remains  in  this  country,  it  is  expected  that  the  inhabit- 
ants will  bo  treated  with  justice  and  humanity,  and  their  pro- 
])crty  secured  from  unnecessary  and  wanton  injury." 

On  the  29th,  the  army  reached  Detroit,  where  it  was  joined 
on  the  following  day  by  colonel  Johnson's  regiment.  It  was 
now  resolved  by  Harrison  and  Shelby,  to  proceed  immediately 
in  pursuit  of  Proctor.  On  the  2d  of  October,  they  marched,  with 
about  three  thousand  five  hundred  men,  selected  for  the  purpose, 
consisting  chiefly  of  colonel  Ball's  dragoons,  colonel  Johnson's 
regiment,  and  other  detachments  of  governor  Shelby's  volun- 
teers. The  heroic  Perry  and  general  Cass  accompanied  general 
Harrison  as  volunteer  aids.  They  moved  with  such  rapidity, 
that  on  the  first  day  they  travelled  the  distance  of  twenty-six 
miles.  The  next  day  they  captured  a  lieutenant  of  dragoons 
and  eleven  privates,  from  whom  they  learned  that  Proctor  had 
no  certain  knowledge  of  their  approach.  On  the  4th,  having 
reached  Chatham,  seventeen  miles  above  Lake  St.  Clair,  they 
were  detained  some  time  by  a  deep  creek,  one  of  the  branches 
of  the  river  Thames,  the  bridge  over  which  had  been  partly 
destroyed  by  the  retreating  enemy.  While  the  bridge  was 
tiQjnrf  rppfiirRd  some  Indians  commenced  an  attack  from  the 
opposite  bank ;  but  were  soon  dispersed  by  colonel  Johnson,  and 
the  artillery  of  colonel  W^ood.  Hero,  the  Americans  found  two 
thousand  stand  of  arms  and  a  quantity  of  clothing;  and,  crossing 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


150 


Battle  uf  the  Tliainei. 


the  creek,  pursued  the  enemy  four  miles  up  tlio  Tliames,  took 
acverul  pieces  of  caniior),  and  obliged  them  to  dustroy  three 
vessels  containing  public  stores.  On  the  5th,  the  pursuit  was 
renewed  ;  when,  after  capturing  provisions  and  ammunition  to  a 
considerable  amount,  they  reached  the  place  where  the  enemy 
had  encamped  the  night  before.  Colonel  Wood  was  now  sent 
forward  by  the  commander-in-chief,  to  recormoitrc  the  British  and 
Indian  forces ;  and  he  very  soon  n-turned  with  information,  that 
they  had  made  a  stand  a  fijw  niik;s  distant,  and  were  ready  for 
action.  General  Proctor  had  drawn  up  his  regular  forces,  across 
a  narrow  strip  of  land  covered  with  beach  trees,  flanked  on  one 
side  by  a  swamp  and  on  the  other  by  the  river ;  thcii  lell  rest- 
ing on  the  river  supported  by  the  larger  portion  of  tlxeir  artil- 
lery, and  their  right  on  the  swamp.  Beyond  the  "vamp,  and 
between  it  and  another  morass  still  further  to  the  right,  were 
the  Indians  under  Tecumseh.  This  position  was  skilfully 
chosen  by  Proctpr,  with  regard  to  locality,  and  the  character 
of  his  troops ;  but  he  committed  an  irreparable  oversight  in 
neglecting  to  fortify  his  front  by  a  ditch  or  abatis,  and  in  draw- 
ing  up  his  troops  "  in  open  order,  that  is,  with  intervals  of 
three  or  four  feet  between  the  files" — a  mode  of  array  which 
could  not  resist  a  charge  of  cavalry.  His  whole  three  consisted 
of  about  eight  hundred  regular  soldiers  and  two  thousand 
Indians. 

The  American  troops,  amounting  to  something  more  than 
three  thousand  men,  were  now  disposed  in  order  of  battle. 
General  Trotter's  brigade  constituted  the  front  line;  general 
King's  brigade  formed  a  second  line,  in  the  rear  of  general 
Trotter;  and  Chiles's  brigade  was  kept  .is  a  cor[)s  of  reserve. 
These  three  brigades  were  under  the  command  of  major  general 
Henry.  The  whole  of  general  Desha's  division,  consisting  of 
two  brigades,  was  formed  en  potcnee  on  llie  left  of  Trotter's 
brigade.  Each  brigade  averaged  five  hundred  men.  The  regular 
troops,  amounting  to  one  hundred  and  twenty  men,  were  formed 
in  colunnis,  and  occupied  a  narrow  space  between  the  road  and 
the  river,  for  the  purpose  of  seizing  the  enemy's  artillery,  should 
opportunity  offer.  General  Harrison  had  at  first  ordered  colonel 
Johnson's  mounted  men  to  form  in  two  lines,  opposite  to  th(! 
Indians ;  but  he  soon  observed  that  the  underwood  here  was  too 
close  for  cavalry  to  act  with  any  eflect.  Aware  of  the  egregious 
error  committed  by  Proctor  as  above  mentioned,  and  well 
knowing  the  dexterity  of  backwoodsmen  in  riiiinjr,  and  in  the 
use  of  the  rifle,  in  forest  ground,  he  immedttitery  determined 
that  one  battalion  of  the  mounted  regiment  should  charge  on 
the  British  regulars.    The  other,  under  the  immediate  command 


uiViiMiMpiiiMl 


leo 


BRACKEN  RIDGE'S 


Battle  of  the  Thamei Colonel  Johnion  wounded Death  of  Tecumieh. 

of  colonel  Johnson,  wns  led  to  confront  the  Indians.  The 
requisite  arrangements  having  bctn  mudc,  the  army  hud  movtJ 
forward  but  a  short  distance,  when  the  enemy  lired.  Thia 
was  the  signal  for  our  cavalry  to  charge;  and  although  the 
men  and  horsrs  in  the  front  of  the  column  at  first  recoiled,  they 
soon  recovered  iiipmselvcs,and  the  whole  body  dashed  througl 
the  enemy  with  irresistible  force.  Instantly  forming  in  the  reai 
of  the  British,  they  poured  on  them  a  destructive  fire,  and  wera 
about  to  make  a  si  >ond  charge ;  when  the  British  officers,  find- 
ing it  impossible,  from  the  nature  of  the  ground  and  the  panic 
which  prevailed,  to  form  their  broken  ranks,  immediately  sur- 
rendered. 

On  the  left,  the  battle  was  begun  by  Tecumseh  with  great 
fury.  The  galling  fire  of  the  Indians  did  not  check  the  advance 
of  the  American  columns ;  but  the  charge  was  not  successful, 
from  the  miry  character  of  the  soil  and  the  numbr  r  and  close- 
ness  of  the  thickets  which  covered  it.  In  these  cin  umstances, 
colonel  Johnson  ordered  his  men  to  dismount,  and  leading  them 
up  a  second  time,  succeeded,  after  a  desperate  contest,  in  break- 
ing  through  the  line  of  the  Indians  and  gaining  their  rear. 
Notwithstanding  this,  and  that  the  colonel  now  directed  his 
men  to  fight  them  in  their  own  mode,  the  Indians  were  unwil- 
ling to  yield  the  day;  and  quickly  collecting  their  principal 
strength  on  the  right,  attempted  to  penetrate  the  line  of  infantry 
commanded  by  general  Desha.  At  first  they  made  an  impres- 
sion on  it ;  but  they  were  soon  repulsed  by  the  aid  of  a  regi- 
ment of  Kentucky  volunteers  led  on  by  the  aged  Shelby,  who 
had  been  posted  at  the  angle  formed  by  the  front  line  and 
Desha's  division.  The  combat  now  raged  with  increasing  fury, 
the  Indians,  to  the  number  of  twelve  or  fifteen  hundred,  seeming 
determined  to  maintain  their  ground  to  the  last.  I'he  terrible 
voice  of  Tecumseh  could  be  distinctly  heard,  encournqing  his 
warriors  ;  and  although  beset  on  every  side  except  that  of  the 
morass,  they  fought  with  more  determined  courage  than  they 
had  ever  before  exhibited.  An  incident,  however,  now  occui . 
red  which  eventually  decided  the  contest.  The  gallant  colonel 
Johnson  having  rushed  towards  the  spot  where  the  Indians, 
clustering  around  their  undaunted  chief,  appeared  resolved  to 
perish  by  his  side ;  his  uniform,  and  the  white  horse  which  he 
rode,  rendered  him  a  conspicuous  object.  In  a  moment  his 
holsters,  dress  and  accoutrements  were  pierced  with  a  hundred 
'bullets ;  and  he  fell  to  the  ground  severely  wounded.  Tecum- 
seh, meanwhile,  was  killed  in  the  melee.  After  the  rescue  and 
removal  of  the  wounded  colonel,  the  command  devolved  on 
major  Thompson.     The  Indians  maintained  the  fight  for  more 


fe 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


U4 


Character  of  Tecumseh. 


than  an  hour  ;  but  no  longer  hearing  the  voice  of  their  great 
captain,  they  at  last  gave  way  on  all  sides.  Near  the  spot 
where  this  struggle  took  place,  thirty  Indians  and  six  whites 
were  found  dead. 

Thus  fell  Tecumseh,  one  of  the  most  celebrated  warriors 
that  ever  raised  the  tomahawk  against  us ;  and  with  him 
faded  the  last  hope  of  our  Indian  enemies.  This  untutored  man 
was  the  determined  foe  of  civilization,  and  had  for  years  been 
labouring  to  unite  all  the  Indian  tribes  in  resisting  the  progress 
of  our  settlements  to  the  westward.  Had  such  a  man  f :  iposed 
the  European  colonists  on  their  first  arrival,  this  continent 
might  still  have  been  a  wilderness.  To  those  who  prefer  a 
sgjMige,  uncultivated  waste,  inhabited  by  wolves  and  panthers, 
"^d  by  men  more  savage  still,  to  the  busy  city  ;  to  the  peace- 

1  hamlet  and  cottage ;  to  Christianity,  science,  and  the  com- 
forts of  civilization ;  to  such,  it  may  be  a  source  of  .gret  that 
Tecumseh  came  too  late.  But  to  all  others,  it  must  be  a  just 
cause  of  felicitation,  that  he  was  the  champion  of  barbarism  at  a 
period  when  he  could  only  draw  down  desti  action  on  his  own 
head.  Tecumseh  fell  respected  by  his  enemies,  as  a  great  and 
magnanimous  chief.  Although  he  seldom  took  prisc:?er3  in 
battle,  he  was  merciful  to  those  who  had  been  taken  by  others ; 
and,  at  the  defeat  of  Dudley,  actually  put  to  death  a  chief  whom 
he  found  engaged  in  the  work  of  massacre.  He  had  been  in 
almost  every  engagement  with  the  whites  since  Harmer's 
defeat  in  1791,  although  at  his  death  he  scarcely  exceeded 
forty  years  of  age.  Tecumseh  had  received  the  stamp  of 
greatness  from  the  hand  of  nature ;  and  had  his  lot  been  cast 
in  a  different  state  of  society,  he  would  have  shone  as  one  of 
the  most  distinguished  of  men.  He  was  endowed  with  a  pow- 
erful mind,  and  with  the  soul  of  a  hero.  There  was  an  uncom- 
mon dignity  in  his  countenance  and  manners :  by  the  former  he 
could  easily  be  discovered,  even  after  death,  among  the  rest  of 
the  slain,  for  he  wore  no  insignia  of  distinction.  When  girded 
with  8  silk  sash,  and  told  by  general  Proctor  that  he  was 
made  a  brigadier  general  in  the  British  service  for  his  conduct 
at  Brownstown  and  Magagua,  he  refused  the  title.  Born  with- 
out title  to  command,  luch  was  his  native  greatness,  that  every 
tribe  yielded  submission  to  him  ai  once,  and  no  one  ever  disputed 
his  precedence.  Subtle  and  fierce  in  war,  he  was  possessed 
of  uncommon  eloquence.  Invective  was  its  chief  merit,  as  we 
had  frequcMt  occasion  to  cxpcricnGc  Ho  gave  a  rcMiarkablc 
instance  of  its  power  in  the  repioaches  which  he  applied  to 
general  Proctor,  in  a  speech  delivered  a  few  days  before  his 
death ;  a  copy  of  which  was  found  among  the  papers  of  the  Bri- 


! 


164 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


g»cape  of  Proctor Public  Testiinonialp.  of  Respect  to  Harrison. 

tisli  officers.   His  form  was  uncommonly  elegant.     His  stature 
was  about  six  Ibet,  and  his  limbs  were  pe/fectly  proportioned. 

In  this  engagement,  the  British  loss  was,  nineteen  regulars 
killed,  fifty  wounded,  and  about  six  hundred  taken  prisoners. 
The  Indians  left  one  hundred  and  twenty  on  the  field.  The. 
American  loss,  in  killed  and  wounded,  amounted  to  upwards  of 
fifty  ;  seventeen  of  the  slain  were  Kenluckians,  and  amontr 
them  was  colonel  Whitely,  a  soldier  of  the  revolulion,  who 
served  on  this  octision  as  a  private.  He  by  some  was  sup- 
posed  to  have  killed  Tccumsch ;  while  others  aftirmed  that 
colonel  Johnson  was  the  person.  Several  pieces  of  brass  can- 
non,  the  tropliies  of  our  revolution,  and  which  had  been  sur- 
rendered by  Hull  at  Detroit,  were  once  more  restored  to  our 
country.  General  Proctor  had  basely  deserted  his  troops  as 
soon  as  the  charge  was  made ;  and  though  hotl>  pursued,  was 
enabled,  by  means  of  swift  horses  and  his  knowledge  of  the 
country,  to  escape  down  the  Thames.  His  carriage^  with  his 
private  papers,  howe\cr,  was  taken. 

By  this  splendid  achievement,  general  Harrison  rescued  the 
whole  northwestern  frontier  from  the  depredations  of  the 
savages  and  the  horrors  of  war.  The  national  gratitude  burst 
out  in  one  loud  voice  of  applause.  He  was  complimented  by 
congress,  and  by  various  public  bodies;  and  a  prominent 
public  man  asserted,  on  the  floor  of  the  national  h-use  of  repre 
sentatives,  that  his  victory  "  was  such  as  would  have  secured 
to  a  Roman  general,  in  the  best  days  of  the  republic,  the 
-honours  of  a  triumph."  We  regret  to  be  compelled  to  add 
that  this  distinguished  officer  not  long  afterwards  retired  froni 
the  army,  in  consequence  of  being  placed  in  an  inferior  com- 
mand. His  services  were  thus  lost  to  the  country  for  the  re- 
nriainder  of  the  war.  For  the  act  which  induced  general  Har- 
rison to  take  this  step,  the  administration,  and  particularly  the 
secretary  of  war,  general  Armstrong,  were  much  and  justly 
blamed. 

The  time  had  now  come,  which  would  prove  whether  the 
stigma  cast  upon  the  chivalrous  people  of  Kentucky  by  Proctor, 
in  order  to  hide  Iiis  own  conduct,  was  founded  in  truth.  It  was 
now  to  be  seen  ■■  hether,  to  use  the  words  of  Proctor,  they  were 
a  "  ferocious  aim  mortal  foe,  using  the  'ame  mode  of  warfare 
with  the  allies  of  Britain."  The  recollection  of  tlie  cruelties 
at  the  river  Raisin  might  have  justified  revenge ;  and  the  in- 
struments of  those  deeds  were  now  at  their  disnosal :  for^  be. 
reft  of  hope  by  this  signal  defeat  and  the  loss  of  th-ir  great 
•eader,  the  savages  had  sued  for  peace;  and  as  an  earnest  of 
their  sincerity,  offered  to  raise  their  tomahawks  on  the  side  of 


mSTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


165 


Geriorouf  Treatment  of  the  Priiioners Interesii::g  CorreipondenM. 

the  United  States,  and  to  execute  on  the  British  captives  the 
same  atrocities  they  had  perpetrated  on  the  Americans. 

But  the  Iventuckians,  as  might  liavo  been  expected,  forbore' 
even  a  word  c  r  a  look  of  reproach  to  their  prisoners.  The  lat- 
ter were  distr-outed  in  small  parties  in  the  interior  to.vns ;  and 
although  extiemely  insulting  in  their  deportment,  were  not  only 
treated  with  humanity,  but  hi  many  places  actually  fed  with 
dainties  by  the  humane  inhabitants.  This  treatment  was  car- 
ried to  an  e::treme  which  might  properly  have  been  termed 
foolish,  had  it  not  been  a  noble  retaliation  for  what  our  coun- 
trymen were  at  that  moment  enduring  '  the  British  dungeons 
on  the  land,  and  in  their  floating  prisons  on  the  sea. 

Nor  was  the  treatment  of  the  conquered  savag?s  les.s  gene- 
rous. Peace  was  granted  to  them,  and  during  the  succeeding 
winter  they  were  actually  supported  at  the  public  expense. 
They  were  obligated  to  raise  the  tomahawk  against  their  former 
friends,  but  were  forbidden  to  assail  the  defencele&'3  and  the  non- 
combatant. 

Security  having  thus  bev.ii  restored  to  our  frontier,  the  greater 
part  of  the  volunteers  were  permitted  to  return  home :  and  Har- 
rison, after  stationing  general  Cass  at  Detroit  with  about  one 
thousand  men,  en  the  23d  of  October  proceeded,  according  to 
his  insiructions,  with  the  remainder  of  his  force,  to  join  the 
Army  of^  the  Centre  at  Buffalo.  Shortly  before  his  departure 
an  interesting  correspondence  took  place  between  him  and  gene- 
ral Vincent,  growiiig  out  of  a  request  by  the  latter,  thai  the  Bri- 
tish prisoners  in  his  possession  might  be  treated  with  humanity. 
General  Harrison,  after  assuring  him  that  such  a  request  was 
unnecessary,  referred  him  to  the  prisoners  thomselves  for  in- 
formation on  this  score.  He  then  took  occasion  to  go  into  a 
minute  detail  of  the  violations  of  the  laws  of  civilized  warfare 
committed  by  the  British  and  Indians.  Ho  painted  the  scenes 
of  the  river  Raisin,  the  Miami,  and  other  places,  the  atrocity  of 
which  general  Proctor  had  attempted  to  palliate  b]"^  the  utterance 
of  a  slander  on  the  V^estern  people ;  and  at  the  sume  time  stated, 
that  in  no  single  instance  had  the  British  had  occasion  to  com- 
plain of  a  deviation  from  civilized  warfare  on  our  part.  For  the 
truth  of  these  facts,  he  appealed  to  the  personal  kn-wledge  of 
general  Vincent.  General  Harrison  oaid,  that,  in  his  treat- 
ment of  British  prisoners,  he  acted  purely  from  a  sense  of  hu- 
manity,  and  not  on  the  principle  of  reciprocity ;  a')d'  as  there 
Were  siill  a  iiUrnbcr  of  Indians  in  the  cmpioyrncnt  oi  tlic  British, 
he  begged  to  be  informed  explicitly,  whether  these  allies  would 
be  kept  in  restraint  for  the  future,  or  whether  general  Vincent 
would  still  permit  them  to  practise  their  usual  cruelties.  "  Use, 


i^ 


i  (I 


166 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Preparations  for  invading  Canada. 


I  pray  you,"  said  he,  "your  authority  and  influence  to 
stop  tlie  dreadful  effusion  of  innocent  blood  which  proceeds 
from  the  employment  of  those  savage  monsters;  whose  aid,  as 
must  now  be  discovered,  is  so  little  to  be  depended  on  when 
most  wanted,  and  which  can  have  so  trifling  an  effect  on  the 
issue  of  the  war," 

The  reply  of  general  Vincent,  like  that  of  sir  Sydney  Beck 
with,  w'as  vague  and  evasive.  He  expressed  himself  perfectly 
satisfied  with  the  assurances  as  to  the  treatment  of  the  prisoners, 
but  declined  i-aying  any  thing  on  the  otlier  topics  ;  it  was  beyond 
his  power  to  give  an  explicit  answer;  but  he  pledged  his  honour, 
that,  to  the  utmost  of  his  power,  ho  would  join  with  general 
Harrison  in  alleviating  the  calamities  of  the  war. 


CHAPTER  XII. 


PreparationsforinvadingCanada— General  Armstrong  appointed  Sccrcfary  of  War 
— Gencrnl  Wilkinson  appoinied  Commanderin-rliief  of  tlio  American  Forcea— Gene- 
ral Hami)t9n  takes  rummand  of  the  Army  of  the  North  nl  Plattsburg— Rendezvous 
of  the  Araeiica?).  Forces  at  Grenadier  IcilmM— General  Wilkinson  descends  the  Eii. 
Lawrence— Bri fish  harass  the  American  Aimy— Battle  of  Chrystler's  Field— Gonoial 
Hampton  descends  the  Chiieaugay  River— Is  attacked  by  the  British- He  retreats— 
His  Inability  or  Unv.'ilUngness  toco-operate  with  General  Wilkinson— Both  Ameri- 
can Armies  go  into  Winter  Quarters— Failure  of  the  Expedition  against  Montreal— 
Cruis»  of  Commodore  Chauncey  on  Lake  Ontario- He  captures  five  armed  British 
Schooners-Burning  of  Newark  by  the  Americans— British  Retaliation— Fort  Niaga- 
ra surprised- Destruction  of  Lewistown,  Buffalo,  and  other  places. 


Tnh  TJorious  result  of  the  operations  of  the  Northwestern 
army,  and  the  splendid  victory  on  the  lake,  opened  the  way  to 
a  more  effectual  invasion  of  Canada.  We  were  now  in  the 
situation  in  which  we  should  have  been  at  the  com.mcncement 
of  the  war,  had  Hull's  expedition  proved  successful ;  with  this 
difference,  however :  that  the  British  had  been  enabled  to  pro- 
vide for  defence,  by  collecting  troops,  disciplining  militia, 
and  fortifying  the  borders  of  the  St.  Lawrence;  while,  on  the 
other  hand,  the  American  force  on  the  frontier  was  more  formi- 
dable than  it  had  been  at  any  time  previously  during  the  war, 
and  was  commanded  by  officers  whose  merits  had  been  tried 
in  actual  service — in  addition  to  which  the  greater  part  of  the 


HISTORY  Or"  THE  WAR. 


167 


General  Armrtrong,  Secretary  of  War  . .  General  Wilkinson,  Commander-in-chief. 


jhboui 


Indit 


had  declared 


igainst  the  British.  The 
public  mii.'d  was  now  so  ofated  by  the  brilliant  victories  to  the 
westward,  that  it  was  thought  the  tide  of  fortune  haa  at  last 
turned  in  our  favour,  and  confidently  expected  that  the  adminis- 
tration would  attempt  the  conquest  of  Canada  in  good  earnest. 

At  the  head  of  the  war  department  was  a  man  of  energy 
and  talents,  who  h^d  resided  a  considerable  period  in  Europe , 
and,  from  the  known  bias  of  his  mind  to  military  affairs,  it 
was  presumed  that  he  had  availed  himself  to  the  utmost  of  the 
opportunities  there  within  his  reach  of  increasing  his  military 
knowledge.  Much  was  expected  from  him :  and  it  was  soon 
pckno\  lodged  that  some  improvements  had  been  introduced 
into  his  department.  Generu)  Armstrong,  knowing  the  san- 
guine anticipations  which  prevailed  through  the  country,  pro- 
ceeded to  the  northern  frontier,  with  a  plan  of  operations 
digested  in  the  cabinet,  which  he  intended  to  be  carried  into 
effect  under  his  own  eye.  The  plan,  as  afterwards  developed, 
was  in  itself  judicious;  but  there  was  not  perhaps,  in  its  exe- 
cution, sufficient  allowance  for  a  change  of  circumstances.  Al- 
though the  season  was  far  advanced,  much  might  yet  be 
done :  but,  to  satisfy  the  public  expectations,  to  the  extent  to 
which  the  successes  of  Harrison  had  raided  them,  was  scarcely 
possible.  Little  short  of  the  complete  conquest  of  Canada 
would  suii?c(i ;  whi'-.  but  vague  ideas  of  the  nature  of  the  en- 
terprise, and  of  the  difficulties  to  be  encountered,  prevailed 
through  the  great  body  of  the  nation.  The  people  in  this 
country,  like  other  sovereigns,  regarding  only  the  success  or 
failure  of  their  agents,  seldom  weigh  the  peculiar  circumstances 
under  which  they  may  have  acted.  To  the  desire  of  doing 
too  much,  may  perhaps  be  attributed  the  misfortunes  experi- 
enced in  a  campaign,  the  chief  incidents  cf  which  are  now 
alout  to  be  related. 

On  tho  resignation  of  general  Dearborne,  general  Wilkinson, 
then  in  the  southern  section  of  the  union,  was  appointed  to 
succeed  him  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  American  forces. 
Public  opinion  was  much  divided,  as  to  some  points  in  the  pre- 
vious character  and  conduct  of  this  officer ;  but  it  was  gene- 
rally admitted,  that  lie  possessed  a  greater  share  of  military 
science  than  any  one  in  the  army.  The  general,  on  taking  the 
command,  issued  an  order  which  gave  traversal  satisfaction ; 
and  it  was  expected  that,  for  the  sake  of  ilrmly  establishing  his 
reoutations  he  would  endeavour  to  render  snirso  si'-'n.')!  sf^rvif  ■ 
ills  co.jnfry.  The  force  under  his  command  on  the  Niagam, 
amounted  to  eight  thousand  regulars,  besides  those  under 
Hafison,  which  were  expected  to  arrive  in  the  course  of  the 


1   :| 


111 


BRACKEN  RIDGE'S 


month  of  October.  General  Wade  Hampton,  a  disfioni'shed 
revolutionary  officer,  also  called  from  the  south,  w..  uppoi  f'd 
to  U^  command  of  <he  Army  of  the  North,  Ihen  c£^t  ij 
at .  lattsburg,  on  Lake  Champlain,  and  amounting  to  about  Lw 
thousand  m.n.  As  the  season  for  miiita-  oper  r.rn  ^v,- 
rapidly  drawing  to  ..  close,  it  was  impo,  ant  ;Iiat  no  tim'e 
should  be  lost,  and  measures  were  iiiimediately  taken   ;  r  car- 

plan  which  had  been  adopr3d,  was:  u-.  descend  the  St.  Law- 
rence.  passing  the  Bri;;.;h  posts  without  attempting  thnir  cap. 
ture;  to  form  a  junction  with  general  Hampt..i  atlme  desie- 
nated  point  on  the  river;  n,.  1  then  ^7U!i  the  uniird  forces  % 
proceed  to  thn  inland  of  Montreal.     After  whic'V  t  usctho 
JaKgungoof  General  Wilkinson.  "  their  artillery,  t,.;  .onet.    .nd 
ewo.ds,  must  secure  them  a  triumph,  or  provide  lor  tliem  honour- 
abte  .-ave..       ft  IS  s.;.l  that  a  difference  of  opinion  existed 
bchveeu  u^.  .  .nerai,in.c.Hef  and  the  secretary  It  war,  on  tWs 
S'f^     r  '°''!f;'."°'  considering  it  prudent  to  I^ave  Kings- 
ton  and  oi,,tr  BriU,,h  garrisons   in  the  roar;   aud  the  latter 
se<Mmng»o  think,  tl>at  as  there  was  no  doubt  of  '.king  Mon- 
treal    0     fhe  posts  on  the  river  and  lakes  above  !hat   place 
imist  .a  1  nf  course.     The  correctness  of  this  conrlu.ion  could 
not  be  denied :  but  as  there  is  a  degree  of  uncertain;--  in  every 
human  undertaking,  it  is  unwise  to  make   no  allowance  for 
«ome  possible  failure;  except,  indeed,  where  the  parry,  like 
Utsar,  resolves  to  be  great  or  dead. 

The  army,  which  had  been  distributed  in  different  corps, 
and  stationed  at  various  points,  was  now  to  be  concentrated  a 
some  place  convenient  for  its  embarkation.     For  this  purpose 
Grenadier  Island    which  lies  between  Sackett's  HarbouS 
Kingston,  was  selected,  on  account  of  its  contiguity  to  the  St 
Lawrence.     On   the   2d  of  October,  general  Wilkinson  left 
Fort  George  with  the  principal  body  of  the  troops,  and  soon 
arte     reached   the  .>sland.     Here  he  occupied  himself  inces" 
Zf!/  'V^''^'''-  preparation  for  the  prosecution  of  his  enter- 
rt-  wu  «<^^«™It'mes  visited  Sackett's  Harbour,  the  point 
at  which  the  troops  first  arrived,  and  whence,  after  receiving  the 
necessary  supplies,  they  proceeded  to  the  place  of  rendez- 
vous.    Colonel  Scott,  whom  he  had  left  m  command  of  Fort 
George,  was  ordered  to  embark,  with  his  regiment  of  artil- 
lery,  and  colone     Randolph's   infantry,  and   proceed   to  the 

Hi"l',7''Tu'°^°"'^  Pr^'  ^"^  '^""  '"  charge  of  Sackett's 
n.ni  Ik  1  fe'encrui  having  provided  boats  to  tran  m  rt  the 
artillery  through  the  St.  Lawrence,  proceeded  to  put  hi  -nsin 
motion.     By  the  23d,  the  forces  thus  collecte<l  excer  ven 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


169 


on  this 


QenerarWilkingon  dosoend«  tlie  St.  Lawrence. 


thousand  men,  and  were  composed  of  colonel  Porter's  light 
ar  lUery  a  few  companies  of  colonel  Scott's,  and  the  whole  of 
colonel  Macomb's  regiment  of  artillery,  twelve  regiments  of 
infantry,  and  Forsythe's  rifle  corps.    In  consequence  of  the  high 

until  the  25th  that  the  army  could  get  under  weigh ;  and  although 
the  general  was  suffering  from  a  disorder  which  rendered  his 
health  very  precarious,  his  anxiety  induced  him  to  superintend 
the  embarkation  in  person. 

nolVT*  ^^J^  Y''''''  intelligence  had  been  received  from  colo- 
net  bcott,  that  the  enemy,  in  consequence  of  the  departure  of 
the  American  army  from  Fort  George,  had  also  abandoned  that 
neighbourhood,  and  was  occupied  in  concentrating  his  forces  at 
Kingston  in  the  belief  that  the  latter  place  was  the  object  of 
rZt     u-Tf^  Wilkinson,  to  favour  this  idea,  fixed  on  French 

tion  on  the  Canada  side,  as  the  place  of  rendezvous  lor  the 
troops  after  their  entrance  into  the  St.  Lawrence.     Bri-adier 
general  Brown,  of  the  regular  service  of  the  United  States, 
was  ordered  forward  to  take  the  command  of  the  advance  of  the 
army  at  this  place.     On  the  1st  of  November,  a  British  squa- 
dron  made  its  appearance  near  French  Creek,  with  a  large  body 
of  infantry  and  attacked  the  Amovican  detachments  there:  but 
f  !''^"ery  of  three  eighteen-pounders,  skilfully  managed  by  cap- 
;ains  M'Pherson  and   Fanning,  soon    forced    them   to  retire. 
Ihe  attack  was  renewed  the  next  morning,  but  with  no  bet- 
ter  success ;  and  as  the  other  corps  of  the  army  were  now  daily 
arriving,  the  enemy  thought  proper  to  move  off.     On  the  6th 
the  army  was  embarked  on  »he  river,  and  in  the  evening  land-' 
ed  a  kw  miles  above  the  British  Fori  Prescott.     After  recon- 
noitering  the  passage  at  this  place,  and  finding  that  the^  fort 
commanded  the  river,  general  Wilkinson  directed  the  powder 
and  fixed  ammumtion  to  be  transported  by  land  to  a  safe  point 
below.  The  troops  were  also  debarked,  and  marched  to  the  same 
point ;  and  It  was  determined  to  take  advantage  of  the  nic^ht  to 
pass  with  the  flotilla,  on  board  of  which  a  sufficio.t  number  of 
men  to  navigate  it  had  been  left.     Availing  himself  of  a  heavy 
log  which  came  on  in  the  evening,  the  commander-in-chief  on- 
;deavoured  to  pass  the  fort  unobserved ;  but  the  weather  clearinjr 
"P,  and  the  moon  shining,  he  was  discov3red  and  fired  upon 
by  the  enemy.     General  Brown,  who  was  in  the  rear  with 
the  flotilla,  thought  't  pr-ddent  to  halt,  until  the  niuhi  should 
grow  darker.     On  the  setting  of  the  moon,  he  proceeded  down 
the  river,  and  being  again  discovered,  was  exposed  to  a  se- 
Tere  cannonade  of  three  hours.     During  all  this  time  not  one 


170 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Deicent  of  the  Bt.  Lawrence British  harass  the  American  Army. 


out  of  three  hundred  boats  suffered  the  slightest  injury ;  and 
before  ten  o'clocit  of  the  next  day,  they  had  all  safely  arrived 
at  the  place  of  destination,  A  messenger  was  now  despatched 
to  general  Hampton,  informing  him  of  the  movements  of  tht 
army,  and  requiring  his  co-operation. 

The  enemy,  having  by  this  time  penetrated  the  design  of 
the  Americans,  endeavoured,  assiduously,  to  counteract  it.  The 
descent  of  our  troops  was  now  found  to  be  impeded  by  consider- 
able bodies  of  the  British,  stationed  at  narrow  parts  of  the  river, 
whence  they  could  annoy  our  boats  within  musket  shot ;  and 
the  eilibarrassment  thus  occasioned  was  increased  by  the  illness 
of  the  commander-in-chief,  which  had  augmented  in  the  most 
alarming  degree.  The  army  was  also  delayed  for  half  a  day 
in  extricating  two  schooners  loaded  with  provisions,  which  had 
been  driven  into  a  part  of  the  river  near  Ogdensburg,  by  the  ene- 
my's fire.  On  the  7th,  in  the  morning,  a  corps  of  twelve  hun- 
dred men,  under  colonel  Macomb,  was  despatched  to  remove 
the  obstructions  to  the  descent  of  the  army;  and  at  three 
o'clock  he  was  followed  by  the  main  body.  On  passing  the 
first  rapids  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  the  barge  of  the  commander-in- 
chief  was  assailed  by  two  pieces  of  artillery,  which  had  not 
been  perceived  by  colonel  Macomb  in  his  march.  No  injury 
was  done  except  to  the  rigging :  and  the  attention  of  the  enemy 
was  soon  diverted  by  lieutenant-colonel  Eustis,  who  returned 
their  fire  from  some  light  barges ;  while  major  Forsylhe,  land- 
ing some  of  his  riflemen,  attacked  them  unexpectedly,  and  com- 
pelled them  to  retreat.  The  flotilla  came-to  about  six  miles 
below  Hamilton  ;  where  the  general  received  intelligence  that 
colonel  Macomb  had  routed  the  enemy  at  a  block-house  two 
rniles  below,  and  that  the  dragoons  attached  to  the  first  divi- 
sion  of  the  enemy  had  been  collected  at  a  place  called  the 
White  House,  at  a  contraction  of  the  river.  On  the  arrivi.1  of 
the  flotilla  at  this  place  on  the  8th,  general  Brown  was  ordered 
to  go  forward  with  his  brigade,  to  reinforce  colonel  Macomb 
and  to  take  command  of  the  advance ;  while  the  commander- 
in-chief  directed  the  transportation  of  the  dragoons  across  tho 
St.  Lawrence.  This  latter  business  was  effected  during  the 
night. 

The  British  troops  which  had  been  concentrated  at  Kingston, 
being  released  from  the  apprehension  of  an  attack  on  that  place, 
immediately  followed  the  American  army.  On  the  9th,  they  had 
so  far  gained  upon  it,  that  a  skirmish  was  brought  on  between 
the  American  riflemen,  and  a  party  of  militia  nr.d  Indians.  To 
be  thus  harassed  by  a  large  body  of  troops  hanging  on  the  rear  of 
an  army,  is  a  situation  which  military  men  have  always  carefully 


I 


i 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


171 


avoided ;  and  this,  in  the  present  case,  was  the  necessary  coiT 
equence  of  withdrawing  the  troops  from  above  which  mi°h 
IZnT '^t ^"^.'"y. •"  '^heck.     Had  two  thousand^^cn  been 
sta  oned  in  the  vicm.fy  of  Kingston  to  threaten  it,  the  enemy 
would    have  been  compelled  to  retain  a    large  force  aftS 
place     by  which  means  the  main  body  of  our  army  mi<rht  hav« 
passed  on  m  greater  safety.     In  the  course  oHhe  d'y    the 
cavalry,  and  lour  pieces  of  artillery  under  captain  MThnr 
son   were  ordered  to  clear  the  coast^elowaffS's  the  head 
of  the  Longue  Saut  a  rapid  eight  miles  long;  and  in  the  even 
ng  the  army  arrived  at  a  place  called  the  Yellow  House! which 

Th  ar^  '^'^  f  "?■•«.  A'  '^'  P«^^«g«  here  would  be  a  tended 
with  considerable  difficulty,  from  the  rapidity  and  lenJh  of 
the  current,  ,t  was  deemed  prudent  to  wait  undl  the  nexfday^ 
vTgllince    """"'■''  '  '^'^""^  "^^^^^^^y  *°  use  tirutmo's; 
On  the  morning  of  the  10th,  general  Brown,  with  the  troops 
under  his  command,  excepting  two  pieces  of  artillery  andSe 
second  regiment  of  dragoons,  ^as  ordered  to  continSis  ma  ch 
in  advance  of  the  army.     A  regard  for  the  safety  of  the  men 
had  induced  the  commander-in-chief  to  retain  as^fe  v  of  thTm 
in   he  boats  as  possible,  during  the  long  and  dangerous  passag^ 
of  the  rapid  on  account  of  the  fire  to  which  theyvvould  be  sub! 
ifj.r\^^,^^''^.''^':^^^^^  the  enemy  had  in  all  probab  lity 
e  tabhshed  along  it.     The  second  regiment  of  dragoons,  and 
all  the  men  of  the  other  brigades,  with  the  exception  of  a  num- 
ber  sufficient  to  navigate  the  boats,  were  placed  under  he  com 

were  .&""''  ^'^^V^"'^  "^'^"^'^  ^^P^'^^"'  the  enemy,  who 
Sf  rpn^'Tn"  '^"  ''^'■'  ^'°"'  "''^^'"g  «"y  advantageous 
head  of  hf.  ™''"  "'''"  commenced  his  march  at  the 

artilX  ''^P''  ^°"^^'«*'"g  principally  of  colonel  Macomb's 

ami  ery,  some  companies  of  colonel  Scott's  regiment  part  of 

TlSlr">  ''''  ^''^^"f"'  ^"'^  ^he  Sixth!  Seen'^h  and 
Twenty-second  regiments.     It  was  not  long  before  he  found 

Sr  whTor'o  "'^'  "  ^'^°"°.  P^^^y  ^'  ^  block.house  near  tSe 
tbP  ifll  '  r  ""  ""^^'^^^  °^^  ^^^  """"^««'  «'^«  repulsed  by 
1^^  In!  ""''"'  T^^"^  ^^'■^y'h^-  I"  this  short  engagement^ 
ofth' ?n  "'''"  '"^r^'^  ^^""'^^'^-  ^hout  ihe  same  time  some 
of  the  enemy's  galleys  approached  the  flotilla,  then  lyina  at  the 
the"  hi'.  ^°'"."^.«"-«d  a  fire  upon  it,  by  which  a  numVer  of 
the  boats  were  injured;  two  eighteen-pounders,  however  beinu 
hastdy  p  aced  on  the  land,  the  fire  from  them  soon  comneTi^ 
t.^  as^adanis  to  retire.     The  day  being  now  too  far  spent  to 


ITS 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Descent  of  the  Si.  Lawrunce Battle  of  Chryitler'i  FieM. 


m 


At  ten  o'cloclf  <t'  ''■?•  !  '  *h,  at  the  moment  that  the  flotilla  was 
about  to  procer ..,  unO  Ah  ;:  .;  the  same  time  the  division  under 
general  Bo  ,  <  uniisf'i; i;  '  i  his  own  and  the  brigades  of  generals 
Covington  un'l  Swartwout,  was  drawn  up  in  marching  order, 
an  alarm  aiS  given  that  the  enemy  wcro  approaching  in  co- 
lumn, 'liie  commander-in-chief  and  general  Lewis  being  both 
too  much  indisposed  to  take  the  command,  general  Boyd  was 
ordered  to  face  about  and  attack  the  advancing  foe.  The 
enomy's  galleys  were  at  the  sT.ne  ti.in'  .ning  down,  for  the 
purpose  of  assailing  the  rear  u.  the  American  floiula.  tJeneral 
Boyd  now  led  on  his  detachment  formed  iii  three  columns,  and 
ordered  a  part  of  general  Swartwout's  brigade  to  move  forward 
and  bring  the  enemy  into  action.  Colonel  Ripley,  accordingly, 
'It  the  head  of  the  Twenty-first  regiment,  passed  the  wood  which 
iikirts  the  open  ground  called  Chrystler's  Field,  and  drove  in 
stvcral  of  the  enemy's  parties,  on  entering  the  field  he  met 
the  advance  of  the  British,  consisting  of  the  Forty-ninth  and  the 
Glongary  regiments ;  anu  immediately  ordered  a  charge.  This 
was  executed  with  each  surprising  firmness,  that  these  two  re- 
giments, nearly  double  his  in  number,  retired  precipitately  ;  and 
on  making  a  stand,  were  a  second  time  driven  before  the  bayo- 
net, and  compelled  to  pass  over  th  i  ravines  and  fences  by  which 
the  field  was  intersected,  ntil  they  fell  on  their  main  bor"} 
General  Covington  had,  before  this,  advanced  upon  the  right, 
where  the  enemy's  artillery  was  posted ;  and  at  the  moment  that 
colonel  ivipley  had  assailed  t '  n  left  flank,  he  forced  the  right 
by  a  determined  onset.  Success  appeared  scarcely  doubtful; 
when,  unfortunately,  general  Covington,  whose  activity  had 
rendered  him  conspicuous,  became  a  mark  for  the  sharp 
shooters  which  the  enemy  hid  stationed  in  Chrystler's  house, 
and  was  shot  from  his  horse.  The  fall  of  this  gallant  officer 
arrested  the  progress  of  the  bri;.'  ide;  and  the  artillery  of  the 
enemy  threw  'nto  cnn  asion,n'  i  caused  it  lO  fall  back  in  dis- 
order. The  Brifish  commander  now  wheeled  part  of  his  line 
into  column,  with  the  view  of  capturing  some  pieces  of  artillery, 
which  were  left  unprotected  by  the  Americans.  A  body  of  dra- 
goons, under  ad;  au;  general  WalK^fh,  attempt*  .,  in  a  very  gal- 
lant mannerjtochuige  the  British  column;  but  from  the  nature  of 
the  ground  were  not  successful.  At  tb-'s  critical  moment,  colo- 
nel Ripley,  who  had  been  engaged  ,  n  the  enemy's  loll  flank, 
threw  his  regiment  betwee'i  he  artillery  ami  the  advancing 
Column,  and  frustrated  their  :a;n  The  British  tell  back  with 
procipitation.  The  Amcrie  og:  ;;ts  uhich  had  brakcii  had 
not  retired  from  the  field,  bu-  ill  c  nued  to  maintain  an  irre 
gular  fight  with  various  success.     The  Twenty-first  h 'ving  by 


'^    *,. 


flisJTUUY  OF  THE  WAR. 


.aa 


173 


Ganer.lJJa..M.,,,„^eeUne.;;^;^;^^;^^ 


this  timo  oxpcndod  its  airimunition,  and  bein.'  in  an^ 1 

Bituation,  was  witiidrawii  from  thn  nn!;,  ^  ^n  exposed 
been  placed  bv  colonel  lL\Z  'ho  position  in  wtuch  it  had 
^o  PO.L..S  .l..m.::r,:.::-'„f  P  'V^,  »^4'-  --y  ag-n  attempted 
tunately  captured  bv  thpm   ;„  ^'     ^"^P'«'«  was  unfbr- 

tenant  wZZti  ^nhh'  '"  r"^«^"^"«/  °f  .''"^  death  of  lieu- 

regiments  of  ihc  lino  aid, >f,h',r  ■"""'r'  ""''  f™"'' 

and  Glen,.,,  e^^  X'  ■Jh/li;  rfaZLtd^ro'T' 
camp  and  the  Americans  lo  Ihoir  boa(°  """' 

in  this  battle  the  lo'^'j  nC  tKo   <         " 
hundred  and  thhiy-nne  wounded  3'""'  T^r^'^''  '"^ '^''^ 

STnf 6mtrs£S'P- ^^^ 

:>roperly  a  drawn  batile ,  Ae  Sh  rj, W  J?;'°°  I  "'  "  ™' 
nienls,  and  the  Americans  lo  their  b»  ,  V  >.  r  ""'""P- 
cir,  .mstance  that  the  enemy  ncvTr  a»f„  a«a  led'^thlT  *" 

pa.^"  ^ri^-ti'raraToftheT,!;;''  '?,V2"[S 

i^rrnTrl'  AM  S  %?  TSmat^  ^°'-™*^  °^--  "- 

ZtrS. '"  - '-» vj£r;ze:LTrh^d*:„^' 

provisions,  and  the  condu.on  ff  t^e  ro^ds  to  St  R  'i^^  V°[  * 
rendered  it  imn,  <sihlp  tn  *.o  .  ^^o^^s  to  fc't- Kegis  which 

conld  be  carrieTbv  a  man  nnTTl,"  ^^7  ,^"-'"  ''•"' 
open  a  communication  wWJ,  fK«.  «.  "t"  "'  '""*"  "^'C^'i-'ined  iu 
About  the  time  ha  generd  wIlkLnr^"'"  "'  Coghnawago. 
army  at  GrpnaZr  ;  f  ^  Wilkinson  was  concentrating  the 
my  a^  Grenadier  island,  preparatory  to  the  uescent  of  the 


■  f  i 


m^M 


174 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Qweral  Hampton  dctconili  the  Chnteaiigoy  River Retreati, 

St.  Lawrence,  general   Hampton,  with  a  viow^to~fi~rea(lier 
co-operation  in  the  confrmplutcd  attempt  on  Montreal,  had  de- 
sccndcd  tJio  Chateaiigay  river  from  Plattsburg,  with  the  forces 
under  his  command.  The  British  general,  perceiving  this  move- 
nicnt  towards  Mo.ureal,  had  collected  all  his  force  to  oppose  it. 
On  the^lst  of  October,  General  Hampton  found  his  road  ob. 
Btructed  by  fallen  timter,  and  ambuscades  of  the  enemy's  militia 
and  Indians.     A  wood  of  considerable  extent  lay  in  advance 
through  which  It  was  necessary  to  pass ;  and  while  the  engineers 
were  engaged  in  cutting  a  way  through,  colonel  Purdy,  with  the 
light  troops  and  one  regiment  of  the  line,  was  detached,  with 
directions  to  turn  the  enemy's  flank,  and  then  seize  on  the  open 
country  below.     In  this  he  succeeded,  and  the  army  by  the 
next  day  reacherl  the  position  of  the  advance.     About  seven 
miles  lurther  on  the  route,  was  another  wood,  which  the  enemy 
had  lelled  and  formed  into  an  abatis,  and  filled  with  a  sue- 
cession  of  breast-works^  the  rearmost  of  which  was  well  sup. 
phed  with  arti  lery.     General  Prevost  was  understood  to  have 
command  of^  the  forces  which  had  these  works  in  charge.     On 
the  25th,  colonel  Purdy,  with  the  first  brigade,  was  ordered  to 
cross  the  river  and  march  down  on  the  oj.posite  side,  until  he 
should  have  passed  the  enemy,  when  he  was  to  re-cross  and 
attack  him  in  his  rear;  whilst  the  brigade  under  general  Izard 
would  assail  him  in  front.     Colonel  Purdy  accordingly  crossed 
the  river;  but  he  had  not  marched  far,  when  his  orders  were 
countermanded.    On  his  return,  he  was  attacked  by  the  enemy's 
infantry  and  Indians,  and  repelled  them,  afler  a  short  contest 
m  which  they  threw  his  column  into  some  confusion.     At  the 
same  moment  they  came  ..ut  of  their  works  in  front,  and  at- 
tacked  general  Izard,  but  were  soon  afler  compelled  to  retire 
behind  their  defences.     General  Hampton,  now  receiving  in- 
lormation  that  the  enemy  were  obtaining  accessions  continually, 
resolved,  by  the  advice  of  his  officers,  to  retreat  to  a  position 
which  he  had  occupied  some  days  before,  called  the  Four  Cor- 
ners.     Here  he  arrived  on  the  last  dav  of  the  month.     The 
British  claimed  a  victory  for  this  afTair;' which,  they  said,  was 
gained  with  a  very  inferior  force.     It  was  not,  however,  the 
mten  ion  of  general  Hampton  to  penetrate  to  Montreal,  but 
merely  to  divert  the  attention  of  the  British  from  the  army  of 
general  Wilkinson.     Having  accomplished  this  object,  he  fell 
back  to  a  position  whence  he  could,  with  greater  facility,  make 
his  way  to  some  point  on  the  St.  Lawrence.     It  was  then  that, 
m  rep  y  to  the  order  of  ihc  commander.iu-ch'ei;  he  despatched 
the  letter  already  mentioned,  stating  the  impracticability  of  a 
compliance  with  it.     On  the  receipt  of  general  Hamilton's  com- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


176 

^American  ^["'''''l^^^ni^T^n'^^r^^ 

tnunication,  a  council  of  the  principal  omccrs  was  rnllrvl^ 
m   Hampton,  with  his  troops,  soon  after  (bliowcd  this  example  • 

kmson,  after   he  disappointment  which  he  met  with  in  his  rdn 

conduct.     The  presence  of  the  secretary  at  war  for  thonnl 

VVhit'Z?''f;'°'"'''''™'='=,  "W'h  o-g'"  'o  bo  condemned 
modoro  Chauncey,  it  has  been  seen,  ^IkTZ^Sr/^Lj^'?: 

2»i~it=Si"s^SeSfafr;:-- 

nor  hwarT'   H  P^'-^^'^'"g  th«  Americans,  made   sail    o  the 


176 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Cruise  of  Commodore  Cbauncey  on  Lake  Ontario. 


;i^ 


I 


was  still  distant  half  a  mile.  After  a  running  fight  of  more  than 
three  hours,  the  British  escapeJ,  and  the  next  morning  ran 
into  Amherst  Bay.  The  American  commodore,  having  no°pilot, 
did  not  think  it  prudent  to  follow  them,  and  contented  himself 
with  forming  a  blockade.  In  this  skirmish,  the  British  sustained 
considerable  injury,  while  that  of  the  Americans  was  very  tri- 
fling. The  blockade  was  continued  until  the  17th  of  September, 
when,  in  consequence  of  a  heavy  gale  from  the  westward,  the 
British  escaped  into  Kingston,  and  the  American  fleet  returned 
to  Sac'cett's  Harbour. 

Afte- a  few  hours  delay  at  Sackett's  Harbour,  commodore 
Chauncey  again  sailed  towards  Niagara,  where  he  arrived  on 
the  24th  of  September.      On  the  1 9th,  he  passed  sir  James  Yeo 
at  the  False  Ducks,  but  took  no  notice  of  him  ;  hoping  thereby 
to  draw  him  out  into  the  lake.     On  the  26th,  the  American 
commodore  received  information  that  the  enemy  was  in  York 
Bay.     He  therefore  made  for  that  place,  as  fast  as  his  dull 
sailing  schooneis  would  permit ;  and  on  the  28th,  early  in  the 
morning,  discovered  the  enemy  in  motion  in  the  bay,  and  im- 
mediately ran  down  for  his  centre.     This  being  perceived  by 
sir  James,  he  stood  out  and  endeavoured  to  escape  to  the  south- 
.  ward  ;  but  finding  that  the  American  fleet  was  closing  upon  him, 
he  ordered  the  vessels  of  his  squadron  to  tack  in  succession,  and 
".ommenced  a  well  directed  fire  at  the  General  Pike,  commodore 
Chauncey's  flag  ship,  with  the  view  of  covering  his  rear.      As 
he  passed  to  leeward,  he  attacked  the  American  rear ;  but  this 
part  of  his  plan  was  frustrated  by  the  skilful  manoeuvring  of 
Chauncey.  By  bearing  down  in  line  on  the  centre  of  the  enemy's 
squadron,  he  threw  them  into  such  confusion,  that  Yeo  immedi- 
ately bore  away,  but  not  before  his  flag  ship,  the  Wolf,  had  been 
roughly  handled  by  that  of  the  commodore.  In  twenty  minutes, 
the  main  and  mizen  top-masts  and  main  yard  of  the  Wolf  were 
shot  away ;  but  the  British  commander,  by  setting  all  sail  on 
his  mainmast  and  keeping  dead  before  the  wind,  was  enabled 
to  outstrip  the  greater  part  of  Chauncey's  squadron.  The  chase 
was  continued  until  three  o'clock,  P.  M. ;    the  General  Pike 
having  the  Asp  in  tow,  and,  during  the  greater  part  of  the  time, 
being  within  reach  of  the  enemy's  shot.     Captain  Crane,  in 
the  Madison,  and  lieutenant  Brown,  of  the  Oneida,  used  every 
exertion  to  close  with  the  enemy,  but  without  success.     The 
pursuit  was  at  length  reluctantly  given  up ;  as  it  came  on  to  blow 
almost  a  gale,  and  there  was  no  hope  of  closing  with  the  enemy 
before  he  could  reach  (he  British  batteries,  nor  without  croat 
risk  of  running  ashore.     The  commodore  was  justly  entitled 
to  claim  a  victory  in  this  affair.     Although  the  enemy  were  not 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


177 


He  captures  five  British  Armed  Schooners. 


cpptured,  chey  were  certainly  beaten  ;  two  of  their  vessels  had 
at  one  time  been  completely  in  the  commodore's  power;  and 
but  for  his  eagerness  to  close  with  the  whole  fleet,  they  could 
not  have  effected  thou  escape.  The  loss  on  board  the  General 
l^ike  was  considcrrble,  owing  to  her  long  exposure  to  the  fire 
ol  the  enemy  s  fleet ;  which  was  seriously  increased  by  the 
bursting  of  one  of  her  guns,  an  accident  by  which  twenty-two 
men  were  killed  or  wounded.  The  vessel  also  was  a  good  deai 
cut  up  in  her  hull  and  rigging. 

.fT"'!^'"'''  C^^«""^,^y'''sj"ort'y  ^^^cr  this   affair,  communi- 
cated  with  genera  M^ilk.nson  on  the  subject  of  the  expedition 
then  on  foot;  and  was  advised  to  continue  his  watch  of  the 
enemy  s  squadron    and,  if  possible,  to  prevent  its  return  to 
Kingston.     In  the  beginning  of  October,  he  again  pursued  tho 
hostile  fleet  for  several  days,  and  forced  it  to  take  refuge  in 
Burlington  Bay  ;  and,  the  next  morning,  on  sending  the  schoou- 
er  Lady  of  the  Lake  to  reconnoitre,  he  found  that  sir  James 
had  taken  adv^.t^  -^e  of  the  darkness  of  the  night,  and  escaped 
towards  Kings   -.     Much  pleasantry  was  indulged  in,  at  the 
Shyness  of  the  xiritish  knight,  and  hip  ungallant  escape  from 
the  Lady  of  the  Lake.     The  chase  was  now  renewed,  and. 
favoured  by  the  wind,  the  commodore  came  in  sight  of  seven 
schooners  belonging  to  the  enemy.     Before  sun-down,  three  ol 
them  struck  to  the  General  Pike ;  another  to  the  Sylph  and  the 
J  -ady  ot  the  Lake ;  and  afterwards  a  fifth  to  the  Sylph.     They 
turned  out  to  be  gun  vessels,  bound  to  the  head  of  the  lake  as 
transports.     Two  of  them  were  the  Julia  and  Growler,  which 
had  been  taken  from  the  Americans  by  the  enemy,  as  men- 
tioned  m  a  previous  chapter.     On  board  of  the  captured  schoon- 
ers  were  three  hundred  soldiers,  belonging  to  De  Watteville'a 
regiment.     It  was  ascertained  that  the  ship  of  sir  James  Yco 
and  the  Royal  George,  had  suffered  very  considerable  injury, 
as  well  as  loss  in  killed  and  wounded.     The  enemy's  fleet  were 
seen  going  mto  Kingston  the  same  evening;  and  commodore 
Chauncey  remained  master  of  the  lake  during  the  remainder 
ol  the  .oason. 

The  consequences  of  leaving  a  large  force  in  the  rear,  and 
Wlthdra^vmg  the  troops  from  the  Niagara,  soon  began  to  be  felt. 
General  Harrison  reached  Buffalo  some  days  after  the  departure 
ot  the  commander-in-chief;  and  although  directed  to  f^low 
immediately,  he  was  compelled  to  wait  until  sometime  in  No- 
vember,  m  consequence  of  the  deficiency  of  transports.  It 
was  not  until  general  Wilkinson  had  gone  "into  winter  quarters 
that  Harnson  embarked ;  orders  having  previously  been  sent 
tor  him  to  remain  at  Buffalo,  which  unfortunately  did  not  arrive 


m 


178 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Burning  of  Newark  by  the  Americans British  Retaliation. 

until  afler  his  departure.  Fort  George  was  left  under  the  com- 
mand of  general  M'Clure,  with  troops  consisting  entirely  of 
militia  whose  term  of  service  had  nearly  expired.  By  the  10th 
of  December,  his  force  being  reduced  to  a  handful  of  men,  and 
a  considerable  body  of  the  enemy  being  within  a  few  miles  of 
him,  he  called  a  council  of  officers,  at  which  it  was  unani- 
mously agreed,  that  the  place  was  no  longer  tenable.  Scarcely 
had  the  general  time  to  blow  up  the  fort  and  pass  the  river, 
before  the  British  appeared.  His  retreat  was  preceded  by  an 
act  which  excited  universal  dissatisfaction  throughout  the  United 
States.  On  the  Canadian  side  of  the  Niagara  and  situated  im- 
mediately below  where  Fort  George  stood,  was  a  handsome  vil- 
lage, called  Newark.  As  this  place,  from  its  situation,  would 
greatly  favour  the  besiegers,  authority  had  been  given  by  the 
secretary  of  war,  in  case  it  became  necessary  for  the  defence 
of  the  fort,  to  destroy  the  village.  The  general,  misconceiving 
these  orders,  gave  twelve  hours'  notice  to  the  inhabitants  to 
retire  with  their  effects,  fired  the  buildings,  and  left  the  village 
in  flames.  This  act  was  no  sooner  known  to  the  American 
government,  than  it  was  promptly  disavowed.  On  the  6th  of 
January  following,  the  order  under  which  general  M'Clure  con- 
ceived himself  to  have  acted,  was  enclosed  to  sir  George  Pre- 
vost,  with  a  formal  intimation  that  the  act  was  unauthorised.  To 
this  an  answer  dated  the  10th  of  February  was  returned  by  ihe 
governor  of  Canada,  in  which  he  expressed  "  great  satisfaction, 
that  ho  had  received  assurance  that  the  perpetration  of  the  burn- 
ing of  the  town  of  Newark  was  both  unauthorised  by  the  Ameri- 
can government,  and  abhorrent  to  every  American  feeling ;  that 
if  any  outrages  had  ensued  the  wanton  and  unjustifiable  destruc- 
tion of  Newark,  passing  the  bounds  of  just  retaliation,  they 
were  to  be  Pttributed  to  the  influence  of  irritated  passions,  on 
the  part  of  the  unfortunate  sufferers  by  that  event." 

The  difference  of  the  principles,  on  which  the  war  was  car- 
ried on  by  the  Americans,  and  by  the  British,  was  very  striking. 
The  former,  uniformly  disavowing  the  system  of  retaliation, 
considered  the  outrages  committed  by  British  officers  unau- 
thorised,  until  expressly  acknowledged  by  the  British  govern- 
ment :  wliile  the  British,  on  the  contrary,  proceeded  at  once  to 
retaliate  any  violation  of  the  laws  of  war,  without  waiting  to 
inqutre  whether  it  was  disapproved  or  sanctioned  by  our 
government.  Had  the  Americans  followed  the  example  of 
their  enemies,  the  burning  of  Newark  would  have  been  amply 
iustified  bv  the  outrases  which  had  been  vvantonlv  committed 
on  Lake  Champlain  and  on  the  sea-board ;  and  yet,  shortly 
after  the  massacre  and  conflagration  of  the  village  of  Hampton, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


aliation. 

er  the  com- 
entirely  of 
By  the  10th 
3f  men,  and 
3W  miles  of 
was  unani- 
.  Scarcely 
is  the  river, 
leded  by  an 
t  the  United 
situated  im- 
ndsome  vil- 
tion,  would 
ven  by  the 
the  defence 
sconceiviug 
labitants  to 
the  village 
3  American 
I  the  6th  of 
['Clure  con- 
jeorge  Pre- 
lorised.  To 
rned  by  ihe 
satisfaction, 
af  the  burn- 
tlie  Ameri- 
3eiing ;  that 
ble  destruc- 
lation,  they 
yassions,  on 

ar  was  car- 
ry striking. 

retaliation, 
icers  unau. 
sh  govern- 
1  at  once  to 
t  waiting  to 
ed  by  our 
example  of 
been  amply 

committed 
ret,  shortly 
f  Hampton, 


179 

was'inSmrntsted  by  th?Am"'"  ''  '^"""^^^'^  ^-^'-«' 

remarkable  mannef 'ottnt^rSm'^o? S  '/^  '  -"^'^ 
ers  was  acknowledcred  in  tho  BriH^  K  f  ^'^'t'^h  P"son- 

by  lord  CastlereaU     h,.?  h  .      ^"^f"  °^  commons  even 

s?;r  r  n   ^    '     "'  "^  meanly  attributed  it  to  fear 

December    Fort  Nhf  '"'"''^-     *' .''''J"ishl,  .,u  the  ,9lhot 
W.U  "bouJ  four  h"  dfed  Brtfeh  "-ST"  K'^'"""'  """"y. 

Ihe  dcfenc"  ofTtl  „l,        ,    .°'S''",'^«<'   «   body  of  mililia  for 

of  ruin  and  dev^sISi "„'"''  '°''  "^">^ '"''-'  ^hibited  a  scene 

'  Even  "he'BS'"  ''"^?"'"  '"'^^"  ^°^  ''^^  ^"™ing  of  Newark, 
of  tellth^lan'uar?  h''"-r'ff,^'-  ^"  ^"'^  P-clamario„ 
ment  has  occlred  and  „  ?'  /  ''"  "PPO^tunity  of  pun.sh- 

well  to  ask,  whether  the  conflagrations  and  pillaging  ant7ce° 


'*.-'! 


-.  S: 


180 


BRACKENIilDGE'S 


Meeting  of  Congress Violence  of  Party  Spirit. 

dently  committed  on  Lake  Champlain,  and  the  horrid  outrages 
in  Chesapeake  Bay,  in  the  course  of  the  previous  summer,  were 
not  an  ample  set-off  for  the  burning  of  Newark '/  Would  that 
the  enemy  had  so  deemed  them ! 

The  affair  continued  to  be  followed  up  by  subsequent  retalia- 
tory measures  in  other  quarters  of  our  extended  territory.  The 
decree  of  admiral  Cochrane,  to  lay  waste  our  maritime  towns 
and  districts,  was  founded,  in  part,  on  the  destruction  of  New- 
ark, and  the  charge  that  we  had  burnt  the  parliament  house  at 
York  in  Upper  Canada.  It  was  not  enough  that  the  burning 
of  Newark  should  have  been  reprobated  and  disavowed  by  oui 
government ;  it  was  not  enough  that  it  should  be  expiated  by 
an  extensive  course  of  murder  and  conflagration  on  our  lake 
shores,  which,  according  to  the  admission  of  sir  George  Pre- 
vost  already  recited,  amply  glutted  the  vengeance  of  Britain: 
but  our  extensive  sea-coast  of  fifteen  hundred  miles,  and  our 
populous  and  flourishing  cities,  must  be  given  up  to  destruction 
and  pillage,  to  fill  up  the  mfasurc  of  British  retaliation.  These 
events  Will,  however,  be  detailed  in  their  proper  place. 


L' 


CHAPTER  XIII. 


Meeting  of  Congress— Violence  of  Party  Spirit— Lukewarm  Deportment  of  the  New 
England  States— Measures  for  carrying  on  the  War— Recourse  to  Taxation— Adop- 
tion of  means  for  recruiting  the  Army— Interesting  case  of  twenty-three  American 
Prisoners— Arrogance  of  the  British  government— Debates  in  Congress  on  the  subject 
—Result  of  the  Debates— Inquiry  by  Congress  into  the  manner  in  which  the  War 
bad  been  carried  on  by  the  Enemy— American  Commissioners  of  Peace  sent  to  Got- 
tenburg— Tlie  War  gains  ground  in  Public  Opinion. 


On  the  6th  of  December  1813,  the  congress  of  the  United 
States  again  assembled.  The  fever  of  party  spirit  had  almost 
reached  its  crisis,  and  the  debates  in  that  body  were  character- 
ized by  a  virulence  and  animosity  which  had  never  before  been 
witnessed  since  the  foundation  of  our  government.  It  would 
be  improper,  at  this  date,  to  enter  minutely  into  the  discussion 

Ol  ;•  BuDjuCl  uiiiv:;  as.  any   laic  fiau   L-r-iici   Or,  '-'ig '•  ;    ■•<'••    '  =  •  •■ 

narrative  of  the  events  of  the  war,  there  is  scarcely  room  for  it. 
On  the  one  side,  we  find  the  opposition  accused  of  manifesting  a 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


161 


Spirit. 

rid  outrage3 
mmer,  were 
Would  that 

uent  retalia- 
ritory.  The 
ritime  towns 
on  of  New- 
ent  house  at 
the  burning 
iwed  by  qui 
expiated  by 

on  our  lake 
George  Pre- 

of  Britain : 
lies,  and  our 
)  destruction 
tion.  These 
ace. 


Lukewarm  Deportment  of  the  N'evv  England  i^taten. 


mentoftheNew 
raiation — Adop- 
'-three  American 
CSS  on  the  subject 
1  which  the  War 
eace  sent  to  Qot> 


if  the  United 
t  had  almost 
re  character- 
r  before  been 
It.  It  would 
he  discussion 

y  room  for  it. 
manifesting  a 


spirit  of  hostility  to  their  country,  and  a  determined  resistance  to 
every  measu re  ior  carry ing  on  fh;  war,  although  from  thT^^^^^^^ 
to  y  rejection  by  Great  Britain  of  the  Russian  me  JiatTon!  thTj 
existed  no  hope  of  peace.  On  tlie  other  hand,  the  party  in 
power  were  charged  with  having  ruined  the  coun  rv  dest  oyeS 
Its  eommerce,  involved  it  in  delfts  which  it  coul7never  pay 

esp^ect  o  thi  w".^'''"S  "'^^''""^  ''^''-  ^vcry  miasu're  with 
Its  causes  anZhI  "T  '°  '""^'^'^  '"  ''  ^  '^"^"^^ideration  of 

ILu?  Itt  ,  ^''^'"''  discussions  were  renewed  until  they 
grew  stale  by  repetition.  The  opposition  to  every  measure 
p  oposed  for  the  prosecution  of  hosVilities  turned  up^on  the  in! 

ustice  and  vv-ickedness  of  the  war.     By  some  it  was  denied  that 

ahL?"r  '^ri  ""^*^^'  ^"d  "^y  «'j'--  it  w  s  alt  Mha 
although  we  had  cause,  the  time  chosen  for  declarfn<x  k  was 
improper.  Among  the  members  in  opposition  was  Mr  VVe W 
of  whom  I  IS  but  jt.stice  to  say,  thit  his  sentiinents  woi"  un  ' 
formly  naUona  .  The  splendid  abilities  of  this  gentleman  and 
the  no  less  splendid  but  more  popular  caixx^r  of  S  Calhom 
first  became  conspicuous  about  this  period.  The  opposition  of 
Mr.  Webster  w^s  manly  and  generous.  The  support  g  en  ti 
the  administration  by  Mr.  Calhoun,  was  fervid  Tnd  poweifJr 
No  withstandmg  the  warm  and  often  intemperate  dE    t o 

nor  of  , if  '•"'''  S"''*^  '''^^  '^^  different  measures  in  sup- 
port  of  the  vvar  continued  to  be  carried  by  large  majorities!^ 
In  soi.,e  of  he  New  England  states,  the  opposition  was  ^ar. 
ned  on  in  a  spii-it  of  animosity,  which  occasioned  serious  re'^e 
in  (he  breasts  of  the  more  considerate.  Such  conduct  did  noT 
by  any  means,  meet  with  the  concurrence  of  the  opposiS 
party  «,  other  parts  of  the  United  States,  and  certainly  no  of 

^^.S  The^eff".  PT!r'^"  ^'  '^^  ^^^f-  -  S  rial 
th^r  nZ'nul  A^u^'  ""^  ^.^^  embargo,  whicl,  was  about  this 
time  adopted,  and  the  non-intercourse,  it  was  said,  were  felt 
much  .Tjore  severely  by  the  people  of  New  Vg  and  than  in 

?aS  ty    "it  'f'^',  '""i  '^'  «d'"inistratio„\L  accused  if 
partiality      It  was  alleged  in  reply,  that  the  smueglipa  on  the 

tanada  hne.  and  the  trade  from'  fhe  northern  poft    tvi^    ho 
Pritish,  was  carried  on  to  such  ap  extent,  as  almost  to  nut   ho 
government  at  defiance;  and  that  the  B  itish  sZL ^ wh  ch 
fiad  so  much  harassed  the  ^  Mithern  coasts,  had  t"n    ^a  e  ea 
aT;rwoSri'f  '"^  ;'^  -;?>v.ard,when  witlrut"uchafS 

m  resources  of  the  government,  which  were  de.iyed  exclq. 


§? 


182 


BRACKENRID(JE'S 


JMeasureB  for  carrying  on  tlie  War Ilecourae  to  Taxation. 


sively  from  sales  of  public  lands  and  from  imposts,  were  alto- 
gether inadequate.  It  was  now  perceived  that  even  as  the  secu- 
rily  rpon  which  to  support  a  credit  these  were  insufficient;  and 
it  was  therefore  determined  to  create  an  internal  revenue.  This 
measure,  it  may  be  said,  ought  to  have  been  coeval  with  the 
war  :  but  the  unwillingness  of  the  people  to  submit  to  taxation, 
had  already  been  seen;  and  hence  it  was  the  wish  of  the  ad- 
ministration to  avoid  it  as  long  as  possible.  At  the  declaration 
of  war,  it  was  believed  that  England  would  scarcely  require  us 
to  give  proof  of  our  ability  fo  carrj'  it  on.  The  proposals  for 
a  cessation  of  hostilities,  and  the  proffered  Russian  mediation, 
kept  up  the  hopes  of  peace  for  a  time ;  and  a  measure  disagree- 
able  to  the  people  was  therefore  delayed  until  it  had  become 
unavoidable,  or  rather  until  it  was  called  for  by  themselves. 
The  expenses  of  the  war  had  also  unexpectedly  increased,  from 
the  unlooked-for  reverses  of  our  arms  to  the  westward,  i.iid  the 
consequent  necessity  for  the  creation  of  fleets  on  the  lakes ; 
while  the  means  of  meeting  them  were  diminished  by  the  un- 
willingness  of  the  New  England  people  to  join  heartily  in  its 
prosecution.  Had  we  possessed  ourselves  of  Upper  Canada, 
there  is  very  little  doubt  that  we  should  have  had  peace  the  first 
year  of  the  war ;  for  it  was  not  until  she  discovered  our  weak- 
ness  on  our  northern  and  western  frontiers,  that  England  reject- 
ed the  Russian  mediation.  Not  that  the  loss  of  Canada  would 
have  been  a  matter  of  so  much  consequence  to  Great  Britain ; 
but  that  it  would  have  furnished  her  with  conclusive  proof,  that 
she  could  have  no  hope  of  severing  the  union  by  sowing  dis- 
sensions between  the  different  states. 

The  next  thing  with  which  the  national  legislature  occupied 
itself,  was  the  provision  of  means  for  filling"  the  ranks  of  the 
army.  The  difficulty  of  inducing  men  to  enlist  continued  to 
increase,  and  even  furnished  an  argument  to  prove  that  the 
war  was  not  popular.  But  this  could  be  easily  accounted  for, 
from  the  natural  reluctance  of  all  men,  not  actually  urged  by 
their  necessities,  to  enter  into  a  positive  engagement  to  serve  as 
common  soldiers  for  a  number  of  years.  Besides,  the  profession 
of  the  common  soldier,  during  our  long  peace,  and  on  account  of 
the  inconsiderable  force  kept  on  foot,  had  sunk  very  low  in  the 
estimation  of  the  people :  an  enlisted  soldier  was  almost  a  pro- 
verbial  name  for  a  lazy,  worthless  fellow.  An  idea  was  also 
prevalent,  that  the  obligations  of  the  enlisted  soldier  created  a 
species  of  slavery ;  or,  at  least,  were  incompatible  with  repub- 
lican  freedom  :  this  was  suffirient  to  nrevent  a  irrr.at  number 
of  spirited  and  enterprising  young  men  from  entering  the  army. 
The   sons  of  farmers,  and   young   mechanics,  were   willing 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


183 


zation. 

were  alto- 
is  the  secu- 
icient ;  and 
inue.  This 
il  with  the 
to  taxation, 

of  the  nJ- 
declaration 
'■  require  us 
oposiils  for 

mediation, 
"e  disagree- 
lad  become 
themselves. 
?asedj  from 
ird,i.tid  the 

the  lakes ; 

by  the  un- 
irtily  in  its 
er  Canada, 
ice  the  first 

our  weak- 
land  rojcct- 
lada  would 
!at  Britain ; 

proof,  that 
sowing  dis- 

'c  occupied 
nks  of  the 
ontinued  to 
e  that  the 
ounted  for, 
V  urged  by 
to  serve  as 
!  profession 
account  of 
low  in  the 
nost  a  pro- 
a  was  also 
r  created  a 
vith  repub- 
nt  nu!Tihei' 
J  the  army. 
!ro   willing 


enough  to  engage  as  volunteers,  or  to  turn  out  onTui^ 
m.li  ,a  du  y  ;  but  to  enter  into  engagements  which  were  pe"ma 
"!;;  '  "••  'tf'  "^'7  ^-^Sardcd  as  disreputable,  was  a  ve.y  diflb  en 
matter,      fhe  only  mode  of  combating  this  aversion^  was  tTo 
ofle  u,g  of  extravagant  bounties  ;  not  ^o  much  with  th^  view  of 
holding  ou   a  bait  to  cupidity,  as  to  overcome  the  popular  pre 
judice  agaa^st  th>s  mode  of  serving  the  country.  7  law     as 
passed,  mcrcasing  the  pay  of  privates,  and  givinMhem  bounS 
m  money  and  lands  to  a  considerable  am^ount?    This  kwa. 
confidently  hoped,  would  produce  the  desired  eflect 

During  this  session  a  very  interesting  subject  was  submitted 

we  e  detained    n  H  ^"^^"^^own  m  the  autumn  of  1812, 

were  detained  m  close  confinement  on  the  chartre  of  bpjnc^ 
native-born  Brithsh  subjects,  and  afterwards  sent  to^England  tf 
undergo  a  trial  for  treason.  On  this  being  made  knov/n  to  ou? 
government  orders  were  given  to  general  Dearborneo  confine 
a  like  number  of  British  prisoners  taken  at  Fort  Georl  and 
to  keep  them  as  hostages  for  the  safety  of  the  Americans     k. 

oidered  to  place  iorty-six  American  commissioned  and  non 
commissioned  ofllcers  in  confinement.  CxovernorPrevo-^t  Tn 
h.s  let  er  to  genera!  Wilkinson  upon  this  «u S  stated  t'h" 
he  had  been  directed  to  apprise  him  th-if  if  nn,!  r  *.  d  ■  •  , 
prisoners  should  suffer  Ilt^ t'^^^X^^'ft^^ 
n^t.  r"''",'°''^''^'^  "b°^«  '"'^"tloned  behig  frndeu"  v" 
and  the  known  law  of  Great  Brita  .  and  of  eve^'ry  otheofoun 

ment,  that  orders  had  been  criven  to  thf.  n^iti.u  govern- 

can  DeonlV"     Th^"'  "'^"^"""fe^  ^'  '^«  J"*y  towards  the  Ameri- 


'4: 


!     ii 


H 


M 


}i 


Arrogance  of  tho  HritiBh  Guvcniment Warm  Debates  in  Congrosi. 

people  who  are  proud  of  tlieir  independence  and  jealous  of 
their  national  honour,  was  only  calculated  to  render  resistance 
more  obstinate ;  and  justly  excited  the  indignation  of  everj 
Anrierican.     General  Wilkinson  soon  after  informed  governor 
Prevost,  that,  in  consequence  of  orders  he  had  received  from 
his  government,  he  had  put  forty-six  British  officers  in  confine 
ment,  to  be  there  detained  until  it  should  be  known  that  th 
American  ofiicers  were  released.     On  the  receipt  of  this  intel 
ligrnce,  the  Canadian  governor  ordered  all  the  American  pri 
soners  into  close  confinement ;  and  a  similar  step  was  soon 
after  taken  by  our  government. 

This  interesting  subject  gave  rise  to  warm  debates  in  con- 
gress. One  party  insisted  that  Great  Britain  had  a  right  to 
her  subjects,  in  all  situations  and  under  all  circumstances  ;  that 
they  were  in  fact  her  property,  and  without  her  consent  they 
never  could  free  themselves  from  her  authority.  They  contend- 
ed further,  that  a  man  cannot  divest  himself  of  his  allegiance  to 
tho  government  of  the  country  in  which  he  happens  to  be  born  ; 
that  although  he  may  leave  the  country  of  his  birth  for  a  time, 
he  never  can  expatriate  himself.  The  procedure  of  our  admin- 
istration, in  attempting  to  prevent  the  British  government  from 
punishing  natives  of  Great  Britain  naturalized  in  this  country 
for  taking  up  arms  against  that  power,  was  condemned.  It 
was  immaterial,  it  was  asserted,  that  such  persons  had  n'Hidod 
among  us  ten  or  even  twenty  years  before  the  war ;  they  must 
be  regarded  in  the  same  light  as  deserters  from  the  British  ar- 
mies. It  was  answered  on  the  other  side,  that  it  ill  bccaino 
Americans  to  deny  the  right  of  expatriation  on  principle  ;  how- 
ever we  might  from  necessity  yield  to  the  unjust  laws  of  other 
nations,  where  the  subject  is  regarded  as  a  SLlave — for  he  that 
has  an  oicner  whom  he  cannot  change,  is  indeed  a  slave.  Can 
it  be  possible,  it  was  asked,  for  an  American  to  contend  on 
principle,  that  a  free  man  cannot  change  his  allegiance,  and 
attach  himself  to  the  country  of  his  choice,  but  that  he  must 
for  ever  drag  a  chain  after  him  at  every  remove  1  Such  a  doc- 
trine could  only  originate  in  that  species  of  slavery  called  the 
leudal  system  ;  and  was  indeed  closely  allied  to  that  of  the  divine 
light  of  kings,  or  rather  of  legitimate  sovereigns ;  which  goes 
so  far  as  to  assert  that  no  government's  lawful,  unless  it  exists 
in  the  hands  of  some  one  who  claims  it  by  birthright — or  at 
least,  that  this  is  the  only  just  foundation  of  European  dynasties. 
If  we  ought  not  to  reprobate  such  systems  of  government,  it 
is  permissible  to  vicv.-  ihciri  vviih  compassiof; ;  for  -.ve  cannot 
admire  them,  without  at  the  same  time  despising  our  own  noble 
institjtions!     The  principle  of  American  liberty  is,  that  alle 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


185 


CongrcM. 

jealous  o*" 
■  resistance 
a  of  everj 
d  governor 
:eived  from 

in  confine 
wn  that  th 
f  this  intel 
lerican  pri 
p  was  soou 

ites  in  con- 
a  right  to 
:inces ;  that 
)nscnt  they 
ey  contcnd- 
llegiance  to 
to  be  born ; 
for  a  time, 
our  admin- 
nment  from 
his  country 
lemned.  It 
had  ronidt'd 
;  they  must 
I  British  ar- 
ill  bei'aniu 
:iple ;  how- 
l's of  other 
-for  he  that 
slave.  Can 
contend  on 
giance,  and 
hat  he  must 
Such  a  doc- 
y  called  the 
)f  the  divine 
which  goes 
less  it  exists 
right — or  at 
n  dynasties, 
^ernment,  it 
c  '•no  cannot 
r  own  noble 
s,  that  alle 


ResuH  of  the  Debatei. 


glance  is  a  matter  of  choice.  :  ^  force;  and  however  we  may 
unavoidably  give  way,  where  ,/e  interfere  with  the  usages  of 
other  nations,  we  ought  never  to  approve  the  principle.  But, 
It  was  further  contended,  that,  according  to  the  law  and  the 
unilorm  practice  of  nations,  the  right  of  expatriation  was 
acknowledged.  Numerous  instances  were  cited,  where  the 
subjects  o  a  nation  taken  in  arms  against  her,  were  regularly 
exchanged.  The  practice  of  Great  Britain  in  naturalizing 
foreigners  was  also  shown :  by  which  they  were  placed  on  the 
same  footing  with  her  native  citizens,  and  equally  entitled  to 
piotection  She  could  not  object  to  our  practice  of  naturaliz- 
ing her  subjects,  as  she  did  the  same  thing  with  respect  to  our 
citizens.  Would  she  not  think  herself  bound  to  protect  her 
adopted  subjects  ?  If  the  United  States  alone  naturalized  for- 
eigners,  the  case  might  then  rest  on  its  principles ;  but  when 
the  same  thing  ,s  done  everywhere,  who  has  a  right  to  com- 

flu:-  u  '''''''  '"  P°'"'  '''^^  adduced,  to  show  the  practice  of 
the  British  government,  where  she  was  ditferently  situated.  She 
had  engaged  m  her  service  a  regiment  of  French  emigrants, 
to  serve  against  France  ;  and  the  question  was  agitated  in  the 
house  of  commons,  whether  she  should  proceed  to  retaliate,  in 
case  he  French  should  put  any  of  them,  if  captured,  to  death  : 
and  It  was  agreed  that  such  would  have  been  her  duty.  She 
went  much  further  than  the  American  government :  lord  Mul- 
gravo  declared  m  debate,  that,  "  while  he  had  the  command  of 
the  British  troops  at  Toulon,  and  of  the  French  who  voluntarily 
flocked  to  their  standard,  under  the  authority  and  invitation  of 
his  Britannic  majesty's  proclamation,  he  had  always  considered 
the  latter  entitled  to  the  same  protection  in  every  respect  as 
the  British  troops."  Thus  it  appeared,  that,  both  in  principle 
and  practice,  the  conduct  of  Great  Britain  had  been  similar  to 
that  of  the  United  States. 

The  result  of  this  debate  was  a  determination  to  maintain 
with  firmness  the  position  which  the  administration  had  taken  • 
and  if  Great  Britain  persisted  in  the  unhappy  resolution  of  renl 
dering  the  war  bloody  beyond  the  example  of  modern  times, 
as  they  had  already  rendered  it  most  barbarous  and  ferocious 
he  United  States  must  reluctantly  pursue  a  course  to  be 
lamented  by  every  man  of  common  humanity. 

Somewhat  connected  with  this,  was  an  investigation,  which 
was  set  on  foot,  of  the  spirit  in  which  the  war  had  been  carried 
on  by  the  enemy.  The  reoort  of  thp  rnmmiiteo  nh^  r^A  ,..:*i. 
It  enumerated  the  various  instances,  in  which  the  British  miU-' 
tery  and  naval  officers  had  violated  all  the  known  usages  of 
civilized  nations,  m  their  ntMMiaer  of  conducting  the  war  ajainst 


M 


<*  1 


':         Si 


:    I 


i\ 


186 


BRACKEN  RIDGE'S 


Inquiry  by  CongrMs  into  the  Eneiny'a  mode  of  carrying  on  llie  War. 


the  United  States.  The  massacres  on  the  river  Raisin,  the 
depredations  and  conflagrations  along  the  lakes  before  there 
existed  any  pretext  for  retaliation,  and  the  barbarous  warfare  of 
the  sea  coast  were  spoken  of  in  terms  of  the  strongest  reproba- 
tion. The  war,  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain,  had  been  carried 
on  nearly  in  the  san'c)  spirit  as  at  the  commencement  of  our 
struggle  for  independence :  she  appeared  to  be  actuated  by  a 
belief  that  she  was  chastising  rebellious  .;ubjccts,  and  not  con- 
tending with  an  independent  nation.  The  treatment  of  Ameri- 
can prisoners  was  the  most  cruel  that  can  be  imagined  :  several 
hundred  unhappy  wretches  were  shut  up,  without  light  or  air, 
in  the  holds  of  ships,  and  in  this  manner  were  carried  across 
the  Atlantic.  In  this  cruel  and  unnecessary  transportation  many 
of  our  countrymen  perished,  and  all  experienced  sufli  rings 
almost  incredible.  Such  treatment  was  contrasted  with  that 
received  by  British  prisoners  in  this  country,  who  in  fact  were 
treated  more  like  guests  thtm  prisoners.  The  committee  declared 
itself  satistied,  from  the  evidence  submitted  to  it,  that  Great  Brit- 
ain had  violated  thf.  laws  of  war  in  the  most  flagrant  manner ; 
and  submitted  to  congress  the  propriety  of  devising  some  mode 
of  pv.''  •  ,T  ^  slop  to  such  disgraceful  conduct.  Among  the  most 
ext;5of<i;t.ary  of  the  enemy's  acts,  was  the  putting  in  close  ron- 
fimnrx'J"  :he  ui>fortunate  Americans  who  had  been  kidnapped 
by  hwf  before  the  war  and  compelled  to  fight  her  battles. 
AboKi  *.fo  thousand,  who  were  acknowledged  to  be  Americans, 
on  refusing  to  fight  against  their  country,  were  compelled  to 
undergo  the  same  treatment  as  if  they  had  been  prisoners  of 
■war.  This  was  indeed  accumulating  outrage  upon  outrage. 
It  were  well  if  this  had  been  the  whole  number ;  but  there  was 
every  reason  to  believe,  that  by  far  a  larger  number  were  still 
compelled  to  obey  the  officers  who  had  enslaved  them,  under 
the  pretence  that  they  were  not  Americans. 

It  has  been  mentioned,  that  Russia  had  ofltred  her  media- 
tion. Under  the  flimsy  pretext  of  being  unwilling  to  submit 
her  rights  to  the  decision  of  an  umpire,  this  was  declined  by 
Great  Britain ;  although  nothing  of  the  kind  was  proposed, 
the  interference  of  the  emperor  of  Russia  terminating  when 
the  contending  parties  had  been  brought  together.  The  Prince 
Regent,  however,  olfered  a  direct  negotiation  at  London  or 
Gottcnburg.  This  was  no  sooner  made  known  to  our  govern- 
ment, than  it  was  accepted.  In  addition  to  the  commissioners 
already  in  Europe  untror  the  Russian  mediation,  the  presiderit 
nominated  Henry  Clay,  Jonathan  Russel  and  Albert  Gallatin 
as  commissioners  of  peace ;  and  they  soon  after  left  this  coun- 
try for  Gottenburg.     Little  more  was  expected,  however,  from 


J 


1 

s 
c 
ii 
c 
b 
e 

> 
a 

tj 

t( 

tl 

c 

tl 

S( 

n 
h 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


187 


tbe  War.  ^^^ 

Raisin,  tho 

before  there 
js  warfare  of 
gest  reproba- 

been  carried 
'tnent  of  our 
tctuated  by  a 
and  not  con- 
;nt  of  Ameri- 
ned :  several 
t  li^ht  or  air, 
arried  across 
irtation  many 
id  suflJ  rings 
ed  witli  that 
I  in  fact  were 
ittce  declared 
at  Great  Brit- 
•ant  manner ; 
g  some  mode 
long  the  most 

in  close  f'f)n- 
en  kidnapped 

her  battles, 
•e  Americans, 

compelled  to 
1  prisoners  of 
ipon  outrage, 
but  there  was 
iber  were  still 
I  them,  under 

;d  her  media- 
ng  to  submit 
s  declined  by 
'as  proposed, 
inating  when 
The  Prince 
it  London  or 
3  our  govern- 
ommissioners 
the  president 
Ibert  Gallatin 
left  this  coun- 
owever,  from 


CommiMiuneWBciUtoQottenburg^.. .  •  •  War^gain»  grouiiiHn  Public  Opinion. 

this,  than  to  make  apparent  tho  sincerity  of  the  United  States 
m  desiring  peace ;  and  the  conduct  of  Great  Britain  soon 
proved,  that  her  only  wish  was  to  keep  open  a  door  for  nego- 
tiation. Subsequent  transactions  sufficiently  proved,  that  she 
rejected  the  Russian  mediation  solely  with  tho  view  of  gaining 

Notwithstanding  the  strength  of  the  opposition  on  the  floor 
of  congress,  the  war  was  evidently  gaining  ground  in  the  esti- 
mation of  the  people.     Tho  conduct  of  the  enemy        '  '>  pro- 
secution of  hostilities  had  been  such  as  t(   awakci'  riot- 
ism  of  every  American;  and  his  rejection  of  the  Uubsi'an  me- 
diation surprised  many  wlio  ha('  confidently  predicted  a  prompt 
acceptance  of  it.     The  victories,  which  we  had  obtained  at  sea. 
came  homo  to  the  feelings  of  the  whole  nation ;  and  were  prtr- 
ticularly  acceptable  to  the  opposition,  who  claimed  the  exclu- 
sive merit  of  them,  as  having  always  been  tho  best  friends  of 
the   navy.      Great  Britain   actimlly   complained,   that   those 
whom  she  had  considered  her  friends  in  Aimrica  rejoiced  in 
her  naval  defeats  ;  and  accused  them  of  faithlessness  and  incon- 
stancy, because  they  permitted  their  love  of  country  to  over- 
come their  hatred  for  the  men  in  power.     The  sentiment,  that 
it  becomes  every  virtuous  man  to  rejoice  in  the  good  fortune 
of  his  country,  however  he  may  dislike  the  rulers  for  the  time 
being,  was  gradually  gaining  ground.     Tho  warlike  aspect  of 
every  thing  around  thelr^  interested  the  ardent  minds  of  the 
young  and  enterprising;  the  feats  of  arms   daily  recounted, 
awakened  a  desire  for  distinction ;  and  the  contagion  of  mili- 
tary pursuits,  whether  it  was  to  be  desired  or  regretted,  began 
to  spread  rapidly.     The   habits  of  a  people,  vho  had  been 
thirty  years  at  peace,  and  constantly  occupied  in  industrious 
callings,  could  not  be  changed  suddenly  :  but  men  are  by  na- 
ture warlike,  and  they  cannot  exist  long  in  the  midst  of  martial 
scenes  and  preparations,  without  catching  their  spirit.     It  was 
no  hazardous  prediction,  that  the  enemy  of  a  party,  would  soon 
be  considered  as  the  enemy  of  the  whole  country. 


'11 


•  IT'l 


hi  {II 


?-■ 

¥q  ^H 

t--'  ^^B 

i; 

•t  ■  ^H 

[' 

^1 

i 

y^H 

■  + 

r  ^^^1 

>  'i^l^^^H 

.    - 

.viH 

IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


•  5  0     ^^ 


2.5 


IS 


1^ 


II  2.2 
1 2.0 

1.8 


U    IIIIII.6 


6"     — 


V] 


<? 


/^ 


''a 


rf-l 


W 


Photographic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


m 


^ 


1 


% 


,\ 


V 


C^ 


'fN 


^1/ 


'*?) 


V^ 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  M580 

(716)  872-4503 


So        ''m^. ' 


^ 


Ua 


't 


n       .(rr 


I 


188 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


War  with  tbo  Creek  Indiani Massacre  by  the  Creeks  at  Fort  Mimi. 


CHAPTER  XrV. 


War  with  the  Creek  Indians— Massacre  by  the  Creeks  at  Fort  Mims— Expedition 
underGenorals  Jackson  and  Cocke  against  Tallushatcbes— Battle  of  Talladega — Ge- 
neral Cocke  surprises  the  Indiana  on  the  Tallapoosa  River— General  Floyd's  Expedi- 
tion against  the  Autossee  Towns— General  Claiborne's  Expedition  against  the 
Towns  of  Eccarachaca— General  Jackson  marches  to  the  relief  of  Fort  Armstrong— 
His  Critical  Situation,  and  Retreat— Defeats  an  Indian  Ambuscade- Indians  attack 
General  Fl'  yd  at  Camp  Defiance,  and  are  repulsed— General  Jackson  gains  the  san- 
guinary Victory  of  Horse-Shoe-Bend— Terminates  the  Creek  War  and  dictates  Peace 
on  Severe  Terms. 

Our  affairs  to  the  south  had  assumed  a  serious  aspect ;  and 
when  the  northern  armies  had  retired  into  winter  quarters,  the 
public  attention  was  kept  alive,  by  the  interesting  events  which 
transpired  in  the  cou;  of  the  Creeks.  That  ill-fated  people, 
under  British  influence,  had  at  length  declared  open  war. 

In  consequence  of  the  threatening  appearances  to  the  south, 
and  the  hostilities  which  already  prevailed  among  the  Indians 
inhabiting  what  was  then  the  Spanish  territory,  governor  Mit- 
chel  of  Georgia  was  required  by  the  secretary  of  war  to  de- 
tach a  brigade  to  the  Ocmulgee  river,  for  the  purpose  of  cover- 
ing the  frontier  settlements  of  that  state.  Governor  Holmes, 
of  the  Mississippi  territory,  was  at  the  same  time  ordered  to 
call  out  a  body  of  militia,  which  were  to  join  the  volunteers 
under  General  Claiborne  then  stationed  on  the  Mobile.  In  the 
course  of  the  summer  of  1813,  the  settlers  in  the  vicinity  of 
that  river  became  so  much  alarmed  at  the  hostile  deportment 
of  the  Creeks,  that  the  greater  part  of  them  had  abandoned 
their  plantations,  and  sought  refuge  in  the  nearest  fortresses. 
Those  among  the  Creeks  who  were  well  disposed  to  the  United 
States,  being  much  the  weaker  party,  had  also,  in  some  places, 
shut  themselves  up  in  forts,  where  they  were  already  besieged 
by  their  countrymen. 

The  commencement  of  hostilities  was  signalized  by  one  of  the 
most  shocking  massacres  that  can  be  found  in  the  history  of  our 
Indian  wars.  The  settlers,  under  an  imperfect  idea  of  their 
danger,  had  thrown  themselves  into  small  forts  or  stations,  at 


at  Fort  Mima. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


189 


Mims— Expedition 
of  Talladega— Ge- 
ral  Floyd's  Expedi- 
iition  against  tbe 
'  Fort  Armstrong— 
je— Indiana  attack 
Lson  gains  the  Ban- 
and  dictates  Peace 


s  aspect ;  and 
:  quarters,  the 
;  events  which 
1-fated  people, 
pen  war. 
s  to  the  south, 
ng  the  Indians 
governor  Mit- 
of  war  to  de- 
pose of  cover- 
ernor  Holmes, 
Tie  ordered  to 
the  volanteers 
[obile.  In  the 
the  vicinity  of 
ile  deportment 
ad  abandoned 
rest  fortresses, 
i  to  the  United 
ti  some  places, 
ready  besieged 

d  by  one  of  the 
I  history  of  our 
t  idea  of  their 
or  stations,  at 


Massacre  by  the  Creeks  at  Fort  Mims. 


I 


ffohL      F  ?   '°"I  """^  ""^^^'^  °''  ^^«  ^^"°"^  ^.ranches  of  the 

Wn  L  t        I '"  "^"^"'l  '^  ^"'  ascertained,  that  the  Indians 

ntended  to  make  an  attack  upon  all  these  stations,  and  destroy 

themjm   detail.     The  first    place  which  they  determined   to 

lii'ffi  r  ^°';.  ^^'"f '  i  "'"^^  '^'  greatest  number  orfamU 
hes  had  been  collected.  Toward  the  close  of  August,  informa- 
tion  was  brought  that  the  Indians  were  about  1o  as.SThis 
post ,  and  m  the  first  moments  of  the  alarm  caused  by  this  news, 
the  occupants  made  some  preparations  for  defence.^  It  seems 
however,  that  it  was  almost  impossible  to  awake  them  to  aTonso 
of  the  proximity  of  their  danger.  The  fort  was  commanded 
by  major  Beasley,  of  the  Mississippi  territory,  a  braveTfficer 

about'on"  rT  ,"'t"'  ^'"^^^y  '"'^'^''^^  «"^  garrisoned  by 
about  one  hundred  volunteers.  By  some  fatality,  notwithstand- 
ing the  warnmgs  he  had  received,  the  commander  was  no  suf- 
ficient y  on  his  guard,  and  suffered  himself  to  be  surprised  at 
noon-day  of  the  30th,  entirely  unprepared.  Scarcel/had  the 
sentinel  time  to  give  notice  of  the  approach  of  the  Indians,  ere 

wfde  Zt'  Th  '  "  '•^''^'"'  ^'^"•'  ^'^^"S^  ^^«  g^*^'  -''•-h'wa^ 
wide  open.     The  garrison  was  instantly  under  arms,  and  the 

major  flew  towards  the  gate,  with  some  of  his  men,  in  order  to 

c^ose  1  ,  and  if  possible  expel  the  enemy ;  but  he  soon  after  fell 

Z  n  ^.  ''";!:'^',^-  ^^'l  g'""^*  ^'^"g''^^'-  °"  b°'h  sides,  the  gate 
was  at  length  c  oscd ;  but  a  number  of  the  Indians  had  taken 
possession  of  a  block-house,  from  which  they  were  not  expelled, 
until  after  a  bloody  contest.  The  assanlt  was  continued  for  an 
hour,  on  the  outside  of  the  pickets;  and  the  port-holes  were 
several  times  carried  by  the  assailants,  and  as  often  retaken  by 
those  withm  the  fort.  ^ 

hJr!!''  Yi"""".!  "°7  ^°',"  """"^"^  withdrew,  apparently  dis- 
WelfhelrA  1"'"  T  '■  '^y  "".^"^'"S  harangued  b^  their  chief, 
vveatherford,  they  returned  with  augmented  fury  to  the  assault. 
Having  procured  axes,  they  cut  down  the  gate  and  made  a 
r,nl  fl  P""?^!  '.""^'  possessing  themselves  of  the  area 
0^  the  fort,  compelled  the  besieged  to  take  refuge  in  the  houses. 
Here  a  gallant  resistance  was  made  by  the  inmates,  until  the 
Indians  set  fire  to  the  roofs  j  when  the  situation  of  these  unfor- 
tunate  people  became  altogether  hopeless.  It  is  only  by  those 
who  have  some  faint  idea  of  the  nature  of  Indian  warfare,  that 

T2^"°Ll  ^^T  "^"^*'°"  ^''"  ^  conceived.  The  agonizing 
shiieks  of  the  unfortunate  women  and  children  at  their  unhappy 

late,  misrnt  nnvfi  n\vnlfono/]  riif" 'r  ♦K"  ' — n-f- -■^ '    •»    ••' '^"' 

iv-  .^     „"•   J-  -J  "T" '    ■'■       'ncLrjcaatsui  any  out  inaians. 

i\..t  an  individual  was  spared  by  these  monsters:  from  the 
most  aged  person  to  the  youngest  infiint,  all  became  the  victims 
ot   their   indiscriminate  butchery ;  excepting  only  those  who 


190 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


^«»t 


)  i 


ii 


Expedition  against  Tallushatches Battle  of  Talladega. 

threw  themselves  into  the  flames,  to  avoid  a  worse  fate !  and  a 
few  who  escaped  by  leaping  ever  the  pickets.  About  two  hun-'^ 
dred  and  sixty  persons,  of  all  ages  and  sexes,  thus  perished, 
including  some  friendly  Indians  and  about  one  hundred  negroes. 
The  panic  which  this  dreadful  massacre  excited  at  the  other 
posts  can  scarcely  be  described :  the  wretched  inhabitants, 
fearing  a  similar  fate,  abandoned  their  retreats  of  fancied  secu- 
rity  in  the  middle  of  the  night,  and,  in  their  endeavours  to 
escape  to  Mobile,  encountered  every  species  of  suffering  and 
privation.  The  dwellings  of  the  settlers  were  burnt,  and  their 
cattle  destroyed. 

On  the  receipt  of  this  disastrous  intelligence,  the  Tennessee 
militia,  under  the  orders  of  general  Jackson  and  general  Cocke, 
immediately  marched  to  the  country  of  the  Creeks.  On  the 
2d  of  November,  general  Coffee  was  detached,  with  nine  hun- 
dred men,  against  Tallushatches,  a  Creek  town,  and  reached 
the  place  about  daylight  on  the  3d.  The  Indians,  aware  of  his 
approach,  were  prepared  to  receive  him.  Within  a  short  dis- 
tance of  the  village  they  charged  upon  him  with  unexampled 
boldness ;  and  although  repulsed,  made  a  most  obstinate  resist- 
ance. They  r^jfuscd  to  receive  quarter,  and  were  slain  almost 
to  a  man.  Nearly  two  hundred  of  their  warriors  were  killed 
in  this  affair.  The  women  and  children  were  taken  prisoners. 
The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  five  killed  and  forty  wounded. 

Late  in  the  morning  of  the  7th,  an  express  brought  intelli- 
gence  to  general  .Tackson,  that,  about  thirty  miles  below  hh 
camp,  at  a  place  called  Fort  Talladega,  a  considerable  numbe. 
of  hostile  Creeks  were  engaged  in  besieging  some  friendl 
Indians,  who  must  inevitably  perish  unless  speedily  relieved. 
This  officer,  whose  resolutions  were  executed  as  rapidly  as 
they  were  formed,  marched  at  twelve  o'clock  the  same  night, 
at  the  head  of  twelve  hundred  men,  and  arrived  within  six 
miles  of  the  place  the  next  evening.  At  midriTiht  he  again 
advanced,  and  by  seven  o'clock  of  the  following  morning  was 
within  a  mile  of  the  enemy.  He  now  made  the  most  judicious 
arrangements  for  surrounding  them :  and  approached,  within 
eighty  yards,  almost  unperceived.  The  battle  commenced  on 
the  part  of  the  Indians  with  great  fury.  Being  repulsed  on  all 
sides,  they  attempted  to  make  their  escape,  but  found  them- 
selves enclosed  ,*  and  had  not  two  companies  of  militia  given 
way,  whereby  a  spacp  was  left  open  through  which  a  consider- 
able number  of  the  enemy  escaped  to  the  mountains,  they  would 
all  hr.VG  been  taken  prisoners  or  destroyed.  In  the  pursuit 
many  were  sabred  or  shot  down.  In  this  action  the  American 
loss  was  fifteen  killed,  and  eighty  wounded.  That  of  the.  Creeks 


s 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


191 


!  of  Talladega. 


Indiana  defeatedmMhe^Tallapoosa.-at  Autcgee.  and  at  Eccanachaca. 
little  ~~ 


was   little  short  of  three  hundred   killed,   their   whole  force 
exceeding  a  thousand. 

General  Cocke,  who  commanded  the  other  division  of  the 
lennessee  militia,  detached  general  White,  on  the  lllh,  from 
l-ort  Armstrong  where  he  was  encamped,  against  the  hostile 
towns  on  the  rallapoosa  river.  After  marching  the  whole 
night  of  the  17th,  he  surprised  a  town  at  daylight,  containina 
upwards  of  three  hundred  warriors,  sixty  of  whom  he  killed 
and  the  rest  took  prisoners.  Having  burnt  several  villages 
which  had  been  deserted  by  the  Indians,  he  returned  on  The 
'ioa,  without  losing  a  single  man. 

The  Georgia  militia,  under  general  Floyd,  advanced  into  the 
Creek  country,  about  the  last  of  November.     Receiving  infor- 
mation  that  a  considerable  body  of  Indians  were  collected  at 
the  Autossee  towns,  of  which  there  were  two,  on  the  Talla- 
poosa river,  a  place  which  they  called  their  beloved  ground, 
and  where,  according  to  their  prophets,  no  white  man  could 
molest  them  general  Floyd  placed  himself  at  the  head  of  nine 
hundred  militia  and  four  hundred  friendly  Creeks,  and  marched 
Irom  his  encampment  on  the  Chattahouchee.     On  the  evenin<r 
01  the  28th,  he  encamped  within  ten  miles  of  the  place,  and 
resuming  his  march  at  one  o'clock  of  the  next  morning,  reached 
the  towns  about  six,  and  commeftced  an  attack  upc i  both  at  the 
same  moment.    His  troops  were  met  by  the  Indians  with  uncom- 
mon  bravery ;  and  it  was  only  after  a  most  obstinate  resistance, 
that  they  were  forced,  by  his  musketry  and  bayonets,  to  fly 
into  the  thickets  and  copses  in  the  rear  of  the  towns.     In  the 
course  of  three  hours  from  the  commencement  of  the  engage- 
ment,  the  enemy  were  completely  defeated,  and  their  vilTaaes 
wrapt  in  flames.     The  troops  having  almost  exhausted  their 
whole  stock  of  provisions,  and  being  sixty  miles  from   any 
depot,  and  in  the  heart  of  a  country  filled  With  hosts  of  hostile 
savages,  now  returned  to  their  encampment  on  the  Chattahou- 
chee.     In  this  battle  eleven  Americans  were  killed  and  fifty 
wounded  ;  among  the  latter,  the  general  himself:  of  the  enemy, 
It  is  supposed  that,  besides  the  Autossee  and  Tallassee  kings, 
upwards  of  two  hundred  were  killed. 

In  the  month  of  December,  general  Claiborne  conducted  a 
detachment,  from  Fort  Claiborne,  on  the  east  side  of  the  Ala- 
bama  river,  against  the  towns  of  Eccanachaca,  on  the  Alabama 
nv-er  above  the  mouth  of  the  Cahawba.  On  the  22d,  he  came 
suddenly  upon  them,  killed  thirtv  of  tho{r  war.-io-  «nd  "ft-r 
destroying  their  villages,  returned.  The  loss  to  the  Ameri- 
cans  was,  one  killed  and  seven  wounded. 
After  the  battle  of  Talladega,  general  Jackson  was  left  with 


192 


lillACKENRIDGE'S 


General  Jackson  marches  to  the  Relief  of  Fort  Armstrong Retreats. 


I     iffl 


i 


but  a  handful  of  men,  in  consequence  of  the  term  of  service  of 
the  militia  linving  expired.  On  the  14th  of  January,  1814,  he 
was  fortunately  reinforced  by  eight  hundred  volunteers  from 
Tennessee,  and  soon  after  by  several  hundred  friendly  In- 
dians. He  was  also  joined  by  general  Coffee  with  a  number 
of  officers,  his  militia  having  returned  home.  On  the  17th, 
with  the  view  of  making  a  diversion  in  favour  of  general  Floyd, 
and  at  the  same  time  of  relieving  Fort  Armstrong,  which  was 
said  to  be  threatened,  he  entered  the  Indian  country,  with  the 
determination  of  penetrating  still  farther  than  had  yet  been 
attempted.    On  the  evening  of  the  21st,  believing  himself,  from 


appearances,  in  the  vicinity  of  a 


large 


body  of  Indians,  he 


encamped  with  great  precaution  and  kept  himself  in  the  attitude 
of  defence.  During  the  night,  one  of  his  spies  brought  infor- 
mation that  he  had  seen  the  enemy  a  few  miles  off,  and  that  as 
they  were  busily  engaged  in  sending  away  their  women  and 
children,  it  was  evident  they  had  discovered  the  Americans, 
and  would  either  escape  or  make  an  attack  before  morning. 
While  the  troops  were  in  this  state  of  readiness,  they  were 
vigorously  assailed  on  their  left  flank  about  daylight.  The 
enemy  were  resisted  with  firmness,  and  after  a  severe  contest, 
fled  in  every  direction.  General  Coffee  having  been  detached 
with  four  hundred  men,  to  destroy  the  enemy's  camp,  with 
directions  not  to  attack  it  if  strongly  fortified,  returned  with 
information  that  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  attempt  it  without 
artillery.  The  attack  already  made  was  soon  discovered  to  be 
afeint^  and  half  an  hour  had  scarcely  elapsed^  when  the  enemy 
commenced  a  second  fiierce  attack  on  Jackson's  left  flank.  It 
seems  they  had  intended,  by  the  first  onset,  to  draw  the 
Americans  into  a  pursuit,  and  by  that  means  produce  confu- 
sion ;  a  result  which  was  completely  prevented  by  Jackson's 
causing  his  left  flank  to  keep  its  position.  General.  Coffee, 
with  about  fifty  of  his  officers,  acting  as  volunteers,  now  assailed 
the  Indians  on  the  left,  and  two  hundred  friendly  Indians  came 
upon  them  on  the  right  j  while  the  whole  line  in  front,  after 
discharging  their  first  fire,  resolutely  charged,  and  forced  the 
enemy  to  fly  with  precipitation.  On  the  left  flank  of  tie  Indians 
the  contest  was  kept  up  some  time  longer.  As  soon  as  possi- 
ble, a  reinforcement  of  friendly  Indiaris  was  sent  to  general 
Coffee,  with  whose  aid  he  speedily  compelled  the  enemy  to 
retire,  leaving  fifty  of  their  warriors  on  the  ground.  In  thia 
action  general  Coffee  was  severely  wounded,  and  his  aid, 
A.  Donaldson,  killed. 

Being  apprehensive  of  another  attack,  general  Jackson  for-j 
tified  his  camp  for  the  night.  The  ne^\  day,  fearing  a  want  of 


I 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


g Betrcats. 


____^ 19$ 

__De<eat8ajUndian_AmM«caJ^_^  C--^^;;;;;;;;:— 

provisions,  he  found  it  "nei^^^^aiT^TT^h^^i^ir^iirb^^ 
reached  Lnotachopco  creek,  having  passed  a  dangeous  Se 
without  mterrupf on.    In  the  morning  he  had  occasion  to  cro  3 
l7nTA^"^^^'  where  he  had  good  reason  to  fear  an  ambus! 
cade  of  the  enemy.    Having  made  the  most  judicious  arrTnge 

forward  towards  the  pass.     The  advanced  guard,  w  th  part  of 
the  flank  columns  and  the  wounded,  had  scarcely  crossed  the 
creek  just  named,  when  the  alarm  was  given  in  th^Lr    jlckson 
.mmedmtely  gave  orders  for  his  right  ^and  left  column;  to  whed 
assail'lL'^rt'  ^"d  crossing  the  stream  above  and  bdow   to 
Ssethel      Wh"^  rear  of  the  enemy,  and  thus  completely 
enclose  them.     When,  however,  the  word  was  given  for  these 
columns  to  form,  and  a  kw  guns  were  fired,  theTpStatelv 
gave  way     This  flight  had  we!!  nigh  proved  fSflbr?  d S 
along  With  .t  the  greater  part  of  the  centre  column   leavle  nol 
more  than  twenty.five  men  to  maintain  thegrouiT^S  K 
vvhelmmg  numbers.     All   that  could  now  te  opS  to  the 
enemy,  were  the  few  who  remained  of  the  rear  guE  the  arS 
lery  company,  and  captain  Russel's  company  of  spiJs      The  ; 

the  utmost  coolness  .  .d  intrepidity,  and  aided  by  a  few°more 
dragged  a  s.x-pounder  to  the  top  of  a  hill,  although  exL^d To 
a  he.  vy  fire;  and  having  gained  his  position,  loaded  the  pie(S 

chfrir*;?  ^^  ^'^  ''  ^■"*'  ^"^''  «ff'^^  ^''^  ^ft^'-  a  fcw'^di^ 
charges,  the  enemy  were  repulsed.     Thev  were  pursued  for 

gveral  miles  by  colonel  Carrol,  oolonel  HigginsTaKlins 

Llhot  and  Pipkms.     Captain  Gordon,  of  the  spies   hadSv 

l^UhZ  T  Tu  '^'  ^,^^  Americans  now  continued  thefr  retreat 
without  further  molestation.  In  these  different  engagers 
about  t«.enty  Americans  were  killed  and  seventy-five  wouTded  ^ 
Ltrd:XVhtrsra;;.^^^  ''-'  -gagement^was  about  t'e 
Meanwhile  general  Floyd  was  again  advancing  towards  th*. 
Indian  territory  from  the  Chattahouchee  river.  °On  the  27th 
of  January,  at  Camp  Defiance,  he  was  attacked  by  a  large  body 
of  Indians,  about  an  hour  before  day.  Thev  stole  uSn  th« 
SvTow'  'f  '.'''  '?•'""  «"  "--'  -shed  tlfh  gtat  Tp^'u! 
ra  ^  St  ^  r^K".^^^-.  '^^^  ««^'°"  ^°°"  became  gC 
firmnel^of  r  offi    ^'"  f""^'  ''""'  ^'^^^'^  P'^'^^^  b"'  the 

IfT    *u'"'  J   ,^     ^.  "  became  sufflcientiy  light,  general  Flovd 

S^fnTii'/'^'/r"^  r'  ^«™^^   fis'cfvafry  inThe 
rear,  and   then   directed   a  charge.     The  enemy  gave  way 


mi 


i      diW 


: 


194 


BRACKEN  UIDLJE'S 


Ooneral  JackHon  gains  the  sanguinary  Victury  of  llurse-Shoe  Bend. 


before  the  bayonet,  and  being  pursued  by  the  cavalry,  were 
many  of  thorn  killed.  The  loss  of  general  Floyd  was  seven- 
teen killed  and  one  hundred  and  thirty-two  wounded.  That  of 
the  Indians  could  not  be  ascertained  ;  although  it  must  have 
been  very  considerable:  thirty-seven  of  their  warriors  were  left 
dead  on  the  field. 

By  this  time,  it  might  be  supposed  that  the  Creeks  had  been 
satisfied  with  the  experiment  of  war ;  but  they  appear  to  have 
been  infatuated  to  a  most  extraordinary  degree.  Under  the 
influence  of  tlieir  prophets,  they  were  led  on  from  one  ruinous 
effort  to  another,  in  hopes  that  the  time  would  at  last  arrive 
when  their  enemies  would  be  delivered  into  their  hands. 

General  Jackson  having  received  considerable  reinforcements 
from  Tennessee,  and  being  joined  by  a  number  of  friendly 
Indians,  set  out  on  an  expedition  to  the  Tallapoosa  river.  He 
proceeded  from  the  Coosa  on  the  24th  of  March,  and  reached 
the  southern  extremity  of  the  New  Youca  on  the  27th,  at  a 
place  called  the  Horse-Shoe-Bend  of  the  Tallapoosa.  Nature 
furnishes  few  situations  so  eligible  for  defence,  and  here  the 
Creeks,  by  the  direction  of  their  prophets,  had  made  their  last 
stand.  Across  the  neck  of  the  peninsula  formed  by  the  curva- 
ture  of  the  river  they  had  erected  a  breast-work  of  the  greatest 
compactness  and  strength,  from  five  to  eight  feet  high,  and 
provided  with  a  double  row  of  port-holes,  artfully  arranged.  In 
this  place  they  considered  themselves  perfectly  secure ;  as  the 
assailants  could  not  approach  without  being  exposed  to  a  dou- 
ble and  cross  fire  from  those  who  lay  behind  the  breast-works. 
The  area  thus  enclosed  was  little  short  of  one  hundred  acres. 
The  warriors  from  the  Oakfuskee,  Oakshaya,  and  Hillabee 
towns,  the  Fish  Ponds,  and  the  Eupauta  towns,  were  here  col- 
lected, in  number  exceeding  a  thousand. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  27th,  general  Jackson,  having 
encamped  the  preceding  night  within  six  miles  of  the  Bend, 
detached  general  Coffee,  with  the  mounted  men  and  nearly  the 
whole  of  the  friendly  Indian  force,  to  pass  the  river  at  a  ford 
about  three  miles  below  the  Creek  encampment,  and  instructed 
him  to  surround  the  Bend  in  such  a  manner,  that  none  of  the 
savages  should  effect  their  escape  by  crossing  the  river.  With 
the  remainder  of  his  force,  he  advanced  to  the  point  of  land  which 
led  to  the  front  of  the  breast-work  ;  and  at  half  past  ten,  planted 
his  artillery  on  a  small  eminence  within  eighty  yards  of  the 
nearest,  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  of  the  farthest  point  of  the 
workss  A  brisk  cannonade  was  ooened  unon  the  centre ;  and  a 
severe  fire  directed  with  musketry  and  rifles,  whenever  the 
Indians  ventured  to  show  themselves  above  or  outside  of  their 


wMMMMiMBiaM 


HISTORY  OF  THii  WAR. 


105 


hoe  Bend. 

cavalry,  were 
d  was  seven- 
ded.  That  of 
it  must  have 
•iors  were  left 

jeks  had  been 
ppcar  to  have 
•  Under  the 
n  one  ruinous 
at  last  arrive 
hands. 

einforcements 
:r  of  friendly 
sa  river.  He 
,  and  reached 
ie  27th,  at  a 
)osa.  Nature 
and  here  the 
lade  their  last 
by  the  curva- 
if  the  greatest 
bet  high,  and 
arranged.  In 
ccuro ;  as  the 
)scd  to  a  dou^ 
breast-works, 
undred  acres, 
and  Hillabee 
vcre  here  col- 

ckson,  having 
of  the  Bend, 
ind  nearly  the 
iver  at  a  ford 
and  instructed 
it  none  of  the 
»  river.  With 
of  land  which 
st  ten,  planted 
'  yards  of  the 
st  point  of  the 
centre  -;  and  a 
whenever  the 
utside  of  their 


Victory  of  Uorgc  SJioe-Bend. 


defences.  In  the  meantime,  general  CofTeo,  havincj  crossed 
bo  low,  had  advanced  towards  the  village.  When  within  half  a 
mile  o   that  part  which  stood  at  the  cAtrcmity  of  the  peninsula, 

attack,  drew  up  his  men  in  order  of  battle,  and  in  this  manner 
con  inued  to  move  lorward.  The  friendly  Indians  hud  previ. 
ously  taken  possession  of  the  bank  of  the  river,  for  the  purpose 
of  pa.vent.ng  the  retreat  of  the  enemy:  but  they  no'soone? 
heard  the  artillery  of  Jackson,  and  saw  the  approach  of  Cotree. 
than  they  rushed  to  the  bank,  while  Coflee's  militia,  in  conse. 
quence,  were  obliged  to  remain  in  order  of  battle.  The  former 
were  unable  to  remain  silent  spectators :  some  beean  to  fire 
across  the  stream,  about  one  hundred  yards  wide,  while  others 

m,mh^?nr'°  '"'['  ^u*^  ^^^^-^ing  across,  brought  back  a 
number  of-canoes.  In  these  the  greater  part  embarked,  and 
landing  on  the  peninsula,  advanced  into  the  village,  drove  the 
enemy  from  their  huts  up  to  the  fortifications,  and  continued 
0  annoy  them  during  the  whole  action.     This  movement  of 

hl,i  .TT"'^''?^  '^  necessary  that  a  part  of  Coffee's  line 
should  take  their  place. 

General  Jackson  finding  that  his  arrangements  were  com- 
plete.  yielded  at  length  to  the  earnest  solicitations  of  his  men 
to  be  led  to  the  charge.     The  regular  troops,  led  by  colond 
Williams  and  major  Montgomery,%-ere  in  S  LmenUn  pos 
session  of  the  nearest  part  of  the  breast-works :   the  miluL 
accompanied  them  with  equal  firmness  and  intrepidity.     HavV 
ing  maintained  for  a  few  minutes   a  very  obstinate  contest, 
ni  °  """'f "'  ''^'■""S'^  '^'  port-holes,  in   which,  to  use 
i  M  ^  .'  own  language,  "many  of  the  enemy's  ba  Is  were 
welded  to  the  American  bayonets,"  they  succeeded  in  gail' 
the  opposite  side  of  the  works.     The  event  could  no  longer  te 
kind  n"r  l        ''"'''"?•'  u"5°"Sh  many  of  them  fought  with  that 
ci^tonieJr'?;.'''"^''!  desperation  inspires,  were  routed  and 
T.  ipn r  I*   ^^  ''^''''  r'S'"  ""^^^'^  "^^'-  ^^hich  surrounded 
the  peninsula  was  strewed  with  the  slain.     Five  hundred  and 
My-seven  were  found  dead,  besides  those  thrown  into  the  river 

than  Mv  r  °''  '"'""f  '"  attempting  to  fly.  Not  more 
han  hlly,  ,t  was  supposed,  escaped.  Among  the  slain  were 
their  great  prophet  Manahoe,  and  two  other  prophets  of  less 
Sneit  ;  ^t'-,h-dred  women  and  child'ren'were  laken 
and  one  h„nT  r  %'"''  ''^''  '^^«"'y«i-^  Americans  killed, 
JflM   .-'^"•^'''^  .^"'^  «^^-'="   wounded;    eighteen  Cherokees 

nn^ejevel  wiuSd.  "'""''' ''  '"'  '^^  '"^"^'^  ^'^^^"^^  '^^"«^' 
This  most  decisive  victory  put  an  end  to  the  war  with  the 


100 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


II' 


\i 


■I 


Creek  War  terminated,  and  Peace  dictated  on  Severe  Termi. 


Creeks  ;  and  broke  the  spirit  and  power  of  these  misguided  men 
complet(>ly.  The  victory  of  Tallushatches,  won  by  Cotlce ;  of 
the  Talliipoosa,  by  Cocke;  the  two  victories  of  general  Floyd, 
on  the  Georgia  side  of  the  Indian  territory  ;  those  of  Talladega 
and  Enolachopco,  won  by  Jackson ;  and  the  fatal  battle  of  the 
I-Iorse-Shoe-Bend,  fought  by  Jackson  and  Coffee,  may  be  said 
to  have  "  cut  up  the  war  by  the  roots." 
^  Jackson  soon  after  scoured  the  country  on  the  Coosa  and 
Tallapoosa  rivers.  A  party  of  the  enemy  on  the  latter  river, 
on  his  approach,  fled  to  Pensacola.  The  larger  portion  of  the 
Creeks,  and  among  them  their  most  able  and  sanguinary  chief 
VVeathcrford,  now  canae  forward  and  threw  themselves  on  the 
mci-cy  of  the  victors.  A  detachment  of  militia  from  North  and 
South  Carolina,  under  the  command  of  colonel  Pearson,  tra- 
versed the  country  on  the  Alabama,  and  received  the  submis- 
eion  of  a  great  number  of  Creek  warriors  and  prophets. 

In  the  course  of  the  summer  a  treaty  of  peace  was  dictated 
to  the  Creeks  by  general  Jackson,  on  severe  terms.  They 
agreed  to  yield  a  large  portion  of  their  country  as  an  indemnity 
for  the  expenses  of  the  war ;  they  conceded  the  privilege  of 
opening  roads  through  their  country,  together  with  the  liberty 
of  navigating  their  rivers ;  they  engaged  to  establish  trading 
houses,  and  to  endeavour  to  bring  back  the  nation  to  its  former 
Btate;  they  also  stipulated  to  hold  no  intercourse  with  any 
British  or  Spanish  post  or  garrison,  and  to  deliver  up  the  pro- 
perty they  had  taken  from  the  whites  and  the  friendly  Indians. 
The  general,  on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  undert'-ok  to 
guaranty  their  remaining  territory  to  them,  to  restore  all  their 
prisoners,  and,  in  consideration  of  their  destitute  situation,  to 
furnish  them  gratuitously  with  the  necessaries  of  life  until  they 
could  provide  for  themselves. 

It  was  truly  lamentable  to  contemplate  the  ruin  of  tribes 
which  were  making  such  rapid  advances  to  civilization.  Their 
villages  were  entirely  destroyed ;  and  their  herds,  which  had 
become  numerous,  were  killed  by  themselves  at  an  early  part 
of  the  contest. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


197 


Termt. 

misguided  men 
by  Cotice ;  of 
general  Floyd, 
e  of  Talladega 
il  battle  of  the 
;,  may  be  said 

he  Coosa  and 
10  latter  river, 

portion  of  the 
iguinary  chief 
nselves  on  the 
om  North  and 

Pearson,  tra- 
id  the  submis- 
•ophets. 
e  was  dictated 
terms.     They 

an  indemnity 
5  privilege  of 
ith  the  liberty 
ablish  trading 
(1  to  its  former 
irse  with  any 
sr  up  the  pro- 
jndly  Indians. 

undert'^ok  to 
jstore  all  their 
!  situation,  to 
life  until  they 

uin  of  tribes 
zation.  Their 
Is,  which  had 
an  early  part 


PUniofOperttioniagain.t  Canada March  of  General  Brown. 


CHAPTER  XV. 


Plan,  of  0|)eralion9  against  Canada  propo»ed-Ceuo-al  Blown  marches  to  Sack- 
«tB  Harbour-General  Wilkinson  rptirea  to  Plaltsburg-Atlack.  the  British  at  La 
Colle  and  .8  repulscd-Suspended  from  the  command-Discouraging  Difflcultieg  in  the 
Economy  of  the  Array-Smuggling-Unsuccc.sful  Attack  by  the  British  at  Otter 
Creek-British  Fleet  enters  Lake  Champlain-Lake  Ontario-Contest  for  Superiority 
there-Gallant  Def.nceof  Oswogo-Brilish  land  at  Pulteneyville-Blocka.le  at  Sack- 
etts  Harbour-Engagement  at  Sandy  Creek  and  Capture  of  the  British  there-Death 
of  Colonel  Forsythc-of  Captain  Malloux,  in  a  Skirmish-Colonel  Campbell's  Expe- 
dition  against  Dover,  Canada-Affairs  to  the  Westward-Colonel  Baubee  taken  pri- 

•oner-Gallant  Defence  by  Captain  Holmes-Serious  Crisis  in  our  Affairs-Napoleon 
overthrown-Great  Britain  directs  her  undivided  Energies  against  the  United  Statea- 
Northern  Sea  Coast  invaded  by  Commodore  Hardy-Attack  on  Saybrook  and  Brook- 
ways  Ferry-Engagement  in  Long  Island  Sound-Ravages  at  VVarehani  and  Scitu- 
•te-Attack  on  Booth  Bay  repelled-Occupationof  all  the  Islands  in  Passamaquoddy 
R?v.rM  British-Gallant  Defence  of  Stonington-Territory  east  of  the  Penobscot 
Biver  claimed  and  occupied  by  the  British-Destruction  of  the  Frigate  John  Adams. 

After  the  failure  of  the  campaign  against  the  British  pro- 
vmces,  the  army  remained  in  winter  quarters,  without  the 
occurrence  of  any  incident  of  much  importance,  until  towards 
he  latter  end  of  February  of  the  year  1814.  General  Wil- 
k.nson  had  submitted  several  plans  of  attack  on  the  different 
British  posts  in  his  vicinity,  with  the  view  of  cuttin^r  off  the 
communication  between  Upper  and  Lower  Canard  °  to  the 
department  of  war.  These,  however,  did  not  meei  .i  appro- 
bation  of  the  secretary,  who  gave  orders  that  the  American 
force  should   be  withdrawn  from   its   present  position :   that 

S;\^f'"u"  u""^"  "'^''"^'^  ""''■'^h  under  general  Brown  to 
backett  s  Harbour,  with  a  suitable  proportion  of  field  urtiUerv 
and  battering  cannon ;  and  that  the  residue  should  fall  back  on 
Flattsburg.  Ihegeneral-in-chief,  in  obedience  to  these  orders, 
destroyed  his  barracks  and  the  flotilla,  and  retired  to  the  place 
designated.  The  British,  apprized  of  his  retreat,  detached 
a  large  force  under  colonel  Scott,  of  the  One  hundred  and  third 
British  regiment,  against  French  Mills,  who  destroyed  the 
public  stores  and  pillaged  the  property  of  private  citizens,  but, 
on  hearuig  of  the  approach  of  an  American  force,  retreated  in 


198 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


M 


\ 


Qpne"!  Wilkiiuon  retirci  to  Plalltburg Attack!  the  British  at  La  Colle. 

the  most  precipitate  manner.  His  whole  party  suffered  much 
from  a  severe  snow  storm,  besides  losing  upwards  of  two  hun- 
dred men  by  desertion,  who  surrendered  themselves  to  the  Ame- 
ricans. It  was  about  this  time,  that  loss  by  desertions  became 
one  of  the  serious  difficulties  which  the  enemy  had  to  encounter. 
The  practice  of  permitting  their  soldiery  to  plunder  in  almost 
every  instance,  may  perhaps  have  arisen  from  the  necessity  of 
some  such  indulgence  as  this,  in  order  to  retain  them  in  their 
service. 

Towards  the  latter  end  of  March,  general  Wilkinson  deter- 
mined to  erect  a  battery  at  a  place  called  Rousjj's  Point,  v/here 
his  engineer  had  discovered  a  position  from  which  the  enemy's 
fleet,  then  laid  uj)  at  St.  John's,  night  be  kept  in  ciieck,  and 
their  contemplated  movement  on  Lake  Champlnin  impeded  or 
prevented.     The  breaking  up  of  the  ice  on  the  lake  at  an  ear- 
lier period  of  the  season  tlian  usual,  defeated  his  plan.     A  body 
of  the  enemy,  upwards  of  two  thousand  strong,  on  discovering 
his  design,  had  been  collected  at  La  Colle  mill,  three  miles 
below  Rouse's  Point,  for  the  purpose  of  opposing  him.     With  a 
view  of  dislodging  this  party,  the  commander-in-chief,  at  the  head 
of  about  four  thousand  men,  crossed  the  Canada  line  on  the  30th 
of  March.     After  dispersing  several  of  the  enemy's  skirmi;  hing 
parties,  ho  reached  La  Colle  mill,  a  large  fortified  stone  house, 
situated  in  the  centre  of  an  open  piece  of  ground,  and  de- 
fended by  a  strong  corps  of  British  regulars  under  the  command 
of  major  Hancock.     For  the  purpose  of  effecting  a  breach,  an 
eighteen- pounder  was  ordered  up  by  general  Wilkinson;  but 
owing  to  the  nature  of  the  ground  over  which  it  had  to  pass, 
the  transportation  was  found  impracticable,  and  a  twelve  and  a 
five-and-a-half  inch  howitzer  were  therefore  substituted.     These 
pieces,  under  the  direction  ot  captain  M'Pherson,  and  lieute- 
nants Lara  bee  and  Sheldon,  were  posted  at  the  distance  of 
two  hundred  paces  from  the  house,  and  covered  by  the  second 
brigade:  with  part  of  colonel  Clarke's  command,  under  general 
Smith,  on  the  ri.'ht ;  and  the  third  brigade,  under  general  Bissel, 
on  the  left.     Colonel   Miller  was   ordered  to  take  a  position 
with  the  Twelfth  and  Thirteenth  regiments  which  would  enable 
him  to  cut  off  the  enemy's  retreat ;  while  the  reserve,  composed 
of  a  select  corps  of  the  first  brigade,  was  placed  under  the 
command  of  general  Macomb.  These  arrangements  being  made, 
the  battery  opened  upon  the  house.     The  fire  was  promptly  re- 
turned ;  and,  owing  to  the  unavoidable  exposure  of  the  Ameri- 
can troops,  was   exti-ernely  destructive^     Captain   M'Pherson 
was  wounded  at  the  commencement  of  the  attack,  but  continued 
At  his  post  until  a  second  shot  had  broken  his  thigh ;  his  next 


HISTORY  OF  Tilli  WAIl. 


100 


tith  at  La  Colls. 


WllklD»on  lufpandcd  ftom  the  Cummand DiKourogitif  Dlfflcultlen. 

officer,  Larabee,  was  shot  through  the  lungs ;  and,  lieutenant 
Sheldon,  who  kept  up  the  fire  until  the  end  of  the  affair,  behaved 
in  a  manner  which  drew  forth  the  warm  praise  of  his  general. 
The  British  commander,  perceiving  that  the  Americans  per- 
sistcd  m  bombarding  the  house,  made  a  desperate  sortie,  and 
several  times  charged  upon  the  cannon.  He  was  as  often 
repulsed  by  the  covering  troops,  and  was  at  last  compelled  to 
retire  into  his  fortress  with  loss.  It  bciiKr  now  found  im- 
practicable to  make  an  impression  on  the  unusually  thick  walls 
of  this  strong  building,  with  such  light  pieces,  notwithstanding 
that  they  worn  managed  with  great  skill,  the  commandor-in- 
chief  called  in  his  ditl'erent  parties,  and  fell  back  in  good  order. 
The  loss  of  the  Americans  was  upwards  of  one  hundred  and 
forty  in  killed  and  wounded;  that  of  the  British  was  not  ascer- 
tained. 

The  unfortunate  issue  of  this  affair,  together  with  the  failure 
of  the  last  campaign,  brought  general  Wilkinson  into  dis- 
repute with  the  public.  The  adminisfration,  yielding  to  the 
popular  voice,  thought  proper  to  suspend  him  from  the  corn- 
mand,  and  placed  the  army  under  the  charge  of  general  Izard. 
General  Wilkinson  was  '  -wards  tried,  and  honourably  ac 
quitted  of^  all  the  charges  alleged  against  him.  One  great  fault 
inherent  in  the  nature  of  our  form  of  government,  is  a  disposition 
to  hasty  and  harsh  decision  respecting  the  conduct  and  charac- 
ter  of  public  mtn,  which  no  more  ceases  to  be  injustice  when 
entertained  by  ten  millions  than  if  by  ten  individuals.  Men 
are  often  ruined  in  public  estimation,  for  slight  causes,  or  for 
uncontrollable  accidents ;  and  they  are  as  often  elevated  to  the 
highest  pinnacle  of  celebrity,  for  actions  which  may  be  better 
considered  as  the  effect  of  chance  than  the  test  of  merit. 

The  most  discouraging  difficulties  presented  themselves  in 
the  economy,  equipment  and  government  of  the  American 
forces,  to  the  very  last  hour  of  the  war.  The  severity  of  the 
climate  on  the  borders  of  the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  lakes  to 
which  our  tyros  were  exposed,  and  their  want  of  the  knowledge 
and  experience  requisite  to  render  themselves  comfortable  in 
camp,  we  -i  the  causes  of  fatal  diseases,  which  carried  off  a 
number  greater  than  fell  in  battle ;  and  the  proportion  of  sick 
and  unfit  for  duty  was  at  all  times  very  great.  From  the  want 
of  that  system,  regularity  and  strictness  which  belong  to  old 
establishments,  there  existed  at  one  moment  a  superabun- 
dance of  all  the  necessary  munitions,  and  at  an<  /ther,  as  great 
R  ncnrnty.  There  was  no  end  to  the  irreguiur  and  unforeseen 
expenses  which  the  government  was  constantly  called  upon  to 
incur.     Abuses  the  most  vexatious,  and  which  baffled  every 


I         ! 


i  ■   iiiliil 


i: 


ip'  i 


'%i 


200 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Smuggling Unguccessful  Attack  by  the  British  Bt  Otter  Creek. 


effort  to  reform,  were  practised  in  all  the  subordinate  depart- 
ments.  All  this  must  be  attributed  to  the  true  causes:  our 
settled  habits  of  peace,  and  the  slowness  with  which  the 
organization  of  military  establishments  must  ever  be  effected 
under  a  government  like  ours.  We  had  yet  to  learn  and  put 
in  practice,  the  ceaseless  and  ever-varying  minutia)  of  camp 
police.  We  had  no  regular  soldiers  until  almost  the  close  of 
the  war ;  and  what  school  of  experience  had  we  in  which  to 
train  and  form  them  ?  Our  subalterns,  at  first,  were  generally 
men  of  little  education  of  any  kind,  and  required  themselves 
the  mstruction  which  they  undertook  to  communicate. 

To  these  unavoidable  misfortunes,  was  to  be  superadded  the 
disgraceful  conduct  of  many  of  our  frontier  inhabitants,  who 
uupphed  the  enemy  with  every  thing  of  which  they  stood  in 
want.  In  spite  of  vigilant  exertion  to  prevent  it,  a  constant 
mtercourse  was  kept  up  across  the  Canada  line ;  and  the  British 
were  not  only  furnished  with  immense  quantities  of  provisions 
without  which  they  could  not  have  subsisted  their  armies,  but 
were  also  regularly  advised  of  each  matter  of  importance  which 
transpired  on  the  American  side. 

Shortly  after  the  affair  of  La  CoUe,  the  greater  part  of  the 
enemy's  force  was  collected  at  St.  John's  and  Isle  Aux  Noix, 
for  the  purpose  of  securing  the  entrance  of  the  British  squad' 
ron  into  Lake  Champlain,  on  the  breaking  up  of  the  ice.     This 
movement  was  effected  early  in  Mcy.     Some  time  before  this, 
on  the  suggestion  of  general  Wilkinson,  commodore  M'Donough 
had  fortified  the  mouth  of  Otter  river  by  the  erection  of  a  bat- 
tery  on  the  cape  at  its  entrance,  so  as  to  secure  a  passage  to  the 
lake  for  his  flcrtiliR,  which  then  lay  at  Vergennes,  some  miles 
higher  up  the  river,  waiting  for  its  armament.     This  precau- 
tion proved  of  great  service.     The  commodore  had  laboured 
with  indefatigable  industry  to  provide  a  naval  force  for  this 
lake  which   might   c.  s  with   that  of  the   enemy;   and   the 
first  object  of  the  British,  when  they  found  the  navigation  open, 
was  to  attempt  its  destruction,  before  it  could  be  prepared  to 
meet  them.     On  the  12th  of  May,  a  bomb  vessel  and  eight 
large  galleys  were  stationed  by  the  enemy  across  the  river,  for 
the  purpose  of  blockading  the  squadron,  and  at  the  same  time 
to  intercept  the   naval  supplies,  required   for  completing  its 
armament,  and  which  it  was  supposed  would  be  sent  thither  by 
water.     Captain  Thornton  of  the  light  artillery,  and  lieutenant 
Cassin  with  a  number  of  sailors,  were  ordered  to  the  defence 
n.  the  battery;    and  indications  being  at  the  same  time  dis- 
covered  of  an  attempt  by  the  enemy  to  assail  the  battery  in  the 
rear,  general  Davis,  of  the  Vermont  militia,  called  up  part  of 


at  Otter  Creek. 

ordinate  depart- 
ue  causes :  our 
,vith  which  the 
;ver  be  effected 
3  learn  and  put 
inutisD  of  camp 
)st  the  close  of 
we  in  which  to 
were  generally 
ired  themselves 
nicate. 

superadded  the 
ihabitants,  who 
1  they  stood  in 
t  it,  a  constant 
and  the  British 
IS  of  provisions 
leir  armies,  but 
portance  which 

ter  part  of  the 
Isle  Aux  Noix, 
British  squad- 
the  ice.     This 
me  before  this, 
)re  M'Donough 
ction  of  a  bat- 
1  passage  to  the 
2S,  some  miles 
This  precau- 
had  laboured 
force  for  this 
my ;   and   the 
Lvigation  open, 
36  prepared  to 
5sel  and  eight 
i  the  river,  for 
the  same  time 
completing  its 
sent  thither  by 
and  lieutenant 
0  the  defence 
ime  time  dis- 
battery  in  the 
ed  up  part  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


201 


British  Fl.ot  enters  ^f^j^^C^^^n^p^^u^^^^ 

t'lie  I'ifh'tv.'  ^"  °'^""  '°  oppose  the  landing.     At  daybreak  on 
the  14th,  the  enemy  commenced  an  attack  upon  the  works  but 

S  ZfT"'''^^ '''''' f^  ^-^^^  '""'y  --«  compelled  tf^i^h 
tnJT  V°"'''Z'  ''^"'"S  behind  them  in  their  retreat 
wo  of  thetr  galleys.  Commodore  M'Donough  had  attcmpTed 
o  bnng  down  some  of  the  AiT^erican  vessel!  to  the  mouTh  of 
the  river ;  but  the  British  squadron  had  disappeared  before  he 
could  attain  h.s  object.     Soon  afterwards  theh- whole  squadron 

a'Zall' C  "'? ^'^i!^'^''?  "'^^ ^^"h''"^ --^ skirmLl  ngS 
BurHngton  ^  ™'"'  ""^''  ^'"'^'^^  ^^"S»'*'  ««  '^ey  p^sed 
While  the  naval  preparations  were  making  on  Lake  Cham- 
plam  the  wmter  and  spring  were  taken  up'with^mUar  pr^. 
paratjons  for  the  coming  contest  on  Lake  Ontario.  At  R-^l 
ton  the  British  were  building  a  ship  of  exfraordinary  s.  o  • 
for  they  no  longer  trusted,  as  they  had  done  with  otherTations 
o  superior  seamanship  and  valour.     Commodore  Chauncev 

esfi;?™"  'f  "-f-'y  of  f'uilding  an  addS 
vessel,  lor  ttie  purpose  of  maintaining  as  nearlv  a«  nnsoiKi^  o« 

equalityof force.  WhilethesevesselswerercouCo'fco^^^^^^^^^^ 
Uon,  numerous  attempts  were  made  to  destroy  them,  which  h 
required  all  the  vigilance  of  each  party  to  prevent  the  othir  from 
carrying  into  effect      On  the  25th  of  ipri£  three  of  the  enem^'^ 
boats  provided  with  the  means  of  blowing  up  the  vesselsTuc 
ceeded  in  gettmg  close  into  Sackett's  Ha?boSr;  but  they  wem 
discovered  and  fired  upon  by  lieutenant  Dudley  the  officerThen 
on  guard  before  they  could  execute  their  purpos^e  and  compelled 
to  throvv  their  powder  into  the  lake,  in  order  to  prevent  threxplo- 
sion  of  their  own  boats.     Foiled  in  this  attempt,  by  the  vigSce 
of  the  Americans,  they  next  formed  the  determination  to  intercept 
the  rigging,  naval  stores  and  guns,  for  the  new  ship  SuperioV 
InT.KM    *'"•''  T^'y-     ^^^'"^  ^'^d  been  deposited  at  Oswego' 
WnnK  "'■.'"■  ^r^'J^T  P''°^^^^^^  ^'^'^  »^«  ^hole  fleet  hlv-' 
mg  on  board  a  large  body  of  troops  under  general  Drummond 

a  booty.  Ihe  British  arrived  on  the  5th  of  May,  and  imme- 
tc^lfTTci'^  ^  heavy  bombardment  of  the  place.  The 
force  at  Fort  Oswego  consisted  of  three  hundred  men  under 

to  cnnrr^f  ^•'"''"''"^■^"•°"^'  ^^^^hell;  a  number  too  smal 
to  contend  with  so  superior  a  force ;  and  had  five  guns,  three 
of  which  were  almost  useless,  besides  a  shore  battlry  of  one 
twelve-DOundpr.       Th«    Amp™^-_-    _^  "cuci^  ui  one 

'  ,  "."■  '  "  ^'"rcrn-ana  no  sooner  nerceived  th« 
enemy  than  they  sunk  the  schooner  Growler,  thS  k  (Sveg: 
rl^Lfl  Ja^-  '''%^«""on.  strengthened  the  garrison  of  the 
fort  by  the  addition  of  the  sailors  of  the  Growler,  under  lieutenam 


IJ 


^1"  i ! 


<  Ir 

!   i   I 


I. 


203 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Gallant  Defence  of  Oawego  and  PuUeneyville  ■ . .  Blockade  of  Sacketfa  Harbour. 


Pierce;  and  planted  all  the  tents  that  could  be  procured  on  the 
village  side  of  the  creek,  in  order  to  give  the  appearance  of  a 
large  foi-ce  of  m.litia.  The  shore  battery  was  commanded  by 
captain  Boyle,  seconded  by  lieutenant  Legate.  At  one  o'clock, 
filieen  barges  filled  with  troops  moved  towards  the  shore,  pre- 
ceded by  several  gun-boats  to  cover  the  landing,  while  the  can- 
nonade  ironi  the  larger  vessels  was  still  continued.  As  soon 
as  the  enemy  got  within  range  of  shot,  they  were  so  warmly 
received  by  the  gun  on  the  shore,  that  their  boats  were  twice 
repulsed,  one  of  the  largest  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  Ame- 
ricans;  and  at  last  were  compelled  to  retire  to  their  shipping. 

Ihe  British  squadron  now  stood  off,  but  this  was  evidently 
lor  the  purpose  of  renewing  the  attack  in  such  a  manner  as  to 
render  it  etlectual.     On  the  6th,  the  enemy  again  am)roached, 
having  resolved  to  land  under  cover  of  their  ships.     They  ac 
cordingly   kept  up  a  heavy  fire  for  three  hours,  while  their 
/and  forces,  two  thousand  in  number,  under  general  De  Watte- 
ville,  succeeded  in  gaining  the  shore,  after  a  gallant  resistance 
by  lieutenant  Pierce  and  his  seamen.     Colonel  Mitchell  now 
abandoned  the  fort,  and  joining  his  corps  to  the  marines  and 
seamen,  engaged  the  enemy's  front  and  flanks,  and  did  crreat 
execution.      Fmding  further  resistance  useless,  he  fell  back, 
lormed  his  troops,  and  took  up  his  march  to  the  Falls  of  Os 
wego,  thirteen  miles  distant,  destroying  the  bridges  in  his  rear. 
Hither  the  naval  stores  had  already  been  removed,  and  for  all  the 
trouble  and  loss  which  they  had  sustained,  the  British  procured 
nothing  more  than  the  cannon  of  the  fort,  a  few  barrels  of  pro- 
visions and  some  whiskey.     These  were  purchased  with  a  loss 
ol  two  hundred  and  thirty-five  men,  in  killed  and  wounded.  The 
loss  of  the  Americans  was  sixty-nine  in  killed,  wounded  and 
missing ;  among  the  first,  a  promising  officer,  lieutenant  Blaney. 
Un  the  morning  of  the  7th,  the  enemy  evacuated  the  place. 

Un  the  15lh,  a  part  of  this  force  proceeded  to  PuUeneyville, 
and  demanded  the  public  stores.  The  inhabitants  were  unable 
to  repel  the  invaders,  and  the  British  commodore  landed  a  party 
ol  sailors  and  marines,  who  indulged  themselves  in  their  usual 
depredations;  when  general  Swift,  of  the  New  York  militia 
opportunely  a.. iving  with  a  part  of  his  brigade,  put  them  to 
Hight.  I  he  enemy  did  not  attempt  to  re-land,  but,  along  with 
the  other  vessels  of  the  squadron,  sailed  forSackett's  Harbour. 
10U  T'"^'^  ^^^^  approached  Sackett's  Harbour  on  the 
19th;  and  cast  anchor  in  such  a  manner  as  to  cutoff  all  com- 
munication  between  that  port  and  other  places  on  the  lake.  The 
object  of  sir  James  Yeo  was  to  prevent  the  Superior,  which 
had  just  been  launched,  frcm  receiving  her  armament  and  equip. 


HISTORY  OF  TOE  WAR. 


20  a 


of  Sackett's  Harbour. 

3  procured  on  the 
cippearance  of  a 
s  commanded  by 
•    At  one  o'clock, 
s  the  shore,  pre- 
ig,  while  the  can- 
;inued.     As  soon 
were  so  warmly 
boats  were  twice 
nds  of  the  Ame- 
'  their  shipping. 
is  was  evidently 
1  a  manner  as  to 
;ain  approached, 
hips.     They  ac- 
lurs,  while  their 
ncral  De  Watte- 
illant  resistance 
el  Mitchell  now 
he  marines  and 
:s,  and  did  great 
s,  he  fell  back, 
the  Falls  of  Os 
dges  in  his  rear, 
d,  and  for  all  the 
British  procured 
■  barrels  of  pro- 
ased  with  a  loss 
':  wounded.  The 

d,  wounded  and 
utcnant  Bianey. 
ed  the  place. 

0  Pulteneyville, 
nts  were  unable 
;  landed  a  party 
s  in  their  usual 
V  York  militia, 

e,  put  tliem  to 
but,  along  with 
kett's  Harbour, 
irbour  on  the 
:;ut  off  all  com- 

1  the  lake.  The 
uperior,  which 
nent  and  equip. 


-^i^!^l!!!ll^L!^!!^y£!:!£!l^!^^ 


ments  by  water;  and  consequently,  when  he  heard  "th^T^ 

June,  these    supplies  were    indispensably  necessarv       J^ll^ 
c,rc„'a,ed.l,a.  ,he%,„res  were  .otl'rStd'  To        OnS 

now  despatched  ,0  look  ou.  for  .ho  B,°£h  „™t  We      S 
chased      M       ^l  T"  °''  Y"  S''"-v==^'els  and  imnSd^l  1 

cZlLZ    '  Z      "*™,,P"soners,  and  all  their  boats  and  cutlers 

S?r=^rs|i-td:roC^^^^^^^^^^ 
St  t^sSi?hii"  ^*ts  z  LieSihi  i 

arrived  at  Sackett's  Harbourln  safely.  ^^'^^'  '°^''  ^^' 


iU'-M 


,!        I 


204 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


DeaUl  of  Colonel  ForBythe-of  Captain  Mallom  ....  Expedition  against  Dover. 


The  consequences  of  this  affair  were  severely  felt  by  the  Bri- 
tish:  they  lost  a  number  of  their  best  seamen  and  officers,  and 
commodore  Chauncey  once  more  became  master  of  the  lake 
He  according  sailed  out,  and  several  times  presented  himself 
belore  Kingston  ;  but  sir  James  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  stir 
until  his  large  ship  of  one  hundred  and  twelve  guns,  then  on 
the  stocks,  should  be  completed.  This  mode  of  warfare  was 
exceedingly  expensive  to  both  parties,  but  especially  so  to  the 
enemy :  it  is  ascertained  that  their  outlay  was  more  than  twice 
what  was  incurred  by  us,  in  consequence  of  the  greater  diffi. 
cuJties  which  attended  the  transportation  of  their  supplies. 

No  other  event  of  material  consequence  transpired  in  this 
quarter,  nor  on  Lakes  Erie  or  Champlain,  until  late  in  the  sum- 
nier. 

In  a  skirmish  on  the  borders  of  the  latter,  colonel  Forsythe 
an  active  but  eccentric  partizan  officer,  lost  his  life.  On  the 
28th  of  June,  he  made  an  incursion  as  far  as  Odelltown  ;  and 
having  attacked  a  party  of  the  enemy,  retreated,  with  the  view 
of  drawing  them  into  an  ambuscade.  Before  he  had  completely 
succeeded  in  this,  however,  he  showed  himself  and  his  men,  and 
a  severe  skirmish  ensued.  In  this  engagement  seventeen  of 
the  enemy  were  killed ;  among  the  number,  the  celebrated  par- 
tizan  officer  captain  Malloux,  a  Canadian,  who  was  shot  by 
lieutenant  Riley.  Colonel  Forsythe  was  wounded  in  the  neck, 
and  died  a  few  days  afterwards.  After  his  death,  the  command 
ot  his  corps  devolved  on  major  Appling. 

It  would  be  improper,  also,  to  pass  unnoticed  the  following 
affair.     Colonel  Campbell,  having  crossed  the  lake  from  Erie 
with  about  five  hundred  men,  landed  at  Dover,  a  small  village 
on  the  Canada  side  of  Lake  Erie,  and  proceeded  to  destroy  the 
mills,  together  with  the  greater  part  of  the  private  dwellings. 
1  his  expedition  was  undertaken  by  him  without  orders  ;  and  as 
his  conduct  m  it  was  generally  reprobated,  a  court  of  inquiry,  at 
which  general  Scott  presided,  was  instituted.     The  court  deci- 
ded,  that  the  destruction  of  the  distilleries  and  mills,  as  they 
furnished  the  British  troops  with  their  necessary  supplies,  miaht 
be  justified  by  the  usages  of  war ;  but  the  other  part  of  his  con 
duct,  although  excused  in  some  measure  by  the  example  of  th( 
enemy  in  laying  waste  and  pillaging  the  villages  on  the  Nia- 
gara, was  condemned.     The  offence  of  colonel  Campbell  was 
mitigated  by  his  humane  treatment  of  the  defenceless  part  of 
the  inhabitants. 

To  the  Wfi5=.tw.<ird,  but  little  of  moment  transpired  during  the 
remainder  of  the  war,  as  we  were  once  more  in  quiet  possession 
of  all  our   territory  except   Michilimackinac.     Early  in   tho 


tion  against  Dover. 

y  felt  by  the  Bri- 
ind  officers,  and 
ter  of  the  lake, 
esented  himself 
it  prudent  to  stir 

2  guns,  then  on 
of  warfare  was 
cially  so  to  the 
iiore  than  twice 
le  greater  diffi- 
ir  supplies, 
inspired  in  this 
late  in  the  sum- 

lonel  Forsythe, 

3  life.  On  the 
)delltown ;  and 
,  with  the  view 
had  completely 
^d  his  men,  and 
t  seventeen  of 
celebrated  par- 

0  was  shot  by 
ed  in  the  neck, 
I,  the  command 

1  the  following 
ake  from  Erie 
1  small  village 
I  to  destroy  the 
'ate  dwellings, 
jrders ;  and  as 
t  of  inquiry,  at 
^he  court  deci- 
mills,  as  they 
supplies,  might 
»art  of  his  con 
example  of  th( 

I  on  the  Nia- 
I!ampbell  was 
:eless  part  of 

ed  during  the 
iet  possession 
Early  in   th© 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


205 

Aflairs  to  the  Westwnni  .i  ..        ^     '         ~^ ~ • 

.- I'l^'*''^:!!::- -.^Galla^u^efc^^^^  Captain  Holmes. 

ed  a  body  of  Indians  which  fn^       ^^"''f '^^ho  had  command- 
on  the  New  York  frontier  ^''^  ^"  *^'  ^"'^^^  depredations 

a  ytfh  iT^ro^^ii'^taTems' a;7?'?r'  ''  '''^''^^  holmes, 

the\ississip7Tern"^r;  •' With  a  pa"v  oV^h"'?  '""'T'':  ''' 
and  sixty  rangers  and  mnnnf^/  P^^^'^  °^  ^^^out  one  hundred 

colonel  Butle?,^'^  the  sTst  oTf  I?'"'  ^'  ''"'  despatched  by 
enemy's  posL  On  the  3d  of  Mk"/'  ^=^'"^'  ^''"'^  ^^  'he 
that  a'^British  force?then  at  a  vte^S'  '^'T^  intelligence, 
which  afterwards  proved  toVefefo  hi"  ""''"'  distant,  and 
descend  the  river  ThaL,  tn  .f?^  u^  °'i^"'  ""'^^  ^^""^  to 
not  in  a  siLation  to  gi^e  bStl  to^'Z  ^inding  himself 
men  had  already  encountLd  nS  »     ^  '^"S"^  ^^^'^h  his 

of  the  enemy's  party,  captab^^^^^^^  ?/'^^  ""'"ber 

chose  a  posUion,  h^^^hich  L  waTconfH    '.''  r  ^J' '""««.  «nd 
maintain  himself  untilTe  could  obtaLthe'lf  '''*"^-  f^'  ^° 

Sh!:o:tt=-.^:« 

able  to  learn  his  fo™     Tk    "y  *?  ™'=">y..  tot  wilhoul  being 

pose  of  drawine  him  from  it     Tk      r  ■     ^'f'^'^ge'"  ^r  the  pur- 

retreated,  takinVca^e  noTto  show^mo^^^^^^^  '"  '^'^'^"'^  ^^^" 
men      n\r.t  ■     tT  i  Sttow  more  than  sixty  or  seventu- 

tion,  he  disposed  his  troons  in    LT^T"^a-         ^°''"'^^  P^^'" 
firmly  waite'd  for  the  enety ;  1^1^    n'tonr:  S^"""'  ^""^ 

assailed  by  militia  and  iTdhnl     Tb    r  "^''  '''^'^  ''"P'^^'y 

twenty  paJes  of  the  Am^r  nn  i-  ^°™'"'  «PP™ached  within 
fire:  bufthoi  "w  ^-^cdonT"  "''  '^""'^  "  '""'y  destructive 
lowed  severeiv  wonnl?     ]''""^''"^'"  P'^'-"'^^'  ^'^^^e  who  fol- 


■I 


'  1 


■ ...  JB 


206 


BIIACKENUIDGE'S 


Gallant  Defence  by  Ca|)laiiijtulmc8 ScriougCrisis  in  our  Affiiiri. 

con  regulars,  being  unsheltered,  were  ordered  to  kneei,  that  the 
brow  ol  tlic  height  might  assist  in  screening  them  from  theenemy. 
On  the  other  three  sides,  the  attack  was  sustained  with  equal 
coohicss,  and  with  considerable  loss  to  the  foe.  No  charcre  bein-r 
made,  the  Americans,  behind  the  logs,  could  aim  tiiefr  nieces 
at  leisure,  with  that  deadly  certainty  which  belon"s  to  the 
backwoodsman.  The  British,  alter  an  hour  of  hard  fi<rl,tins 
oi-dered  a  retreat.  As  the  night  was  approaching,  captafn 
Holmes  thought  it  unadvisable  to  pursue  them:  besides,  his  men 
were  much  fatigued,  and  many  of  them  had  nearly  worn  out 
their  shoes  on  the  hard  frozen  ground.  The  American  loss  on 
this  occasion  did  not  amount  to  more  than  si\  killed  and 
wounded.  According  to  the  statement  of  the  British,  their  loss 
was  sixty-five  in  killed  and  wounded,  besides  Indians.  Captain 
Holmes  soon  afterwards  returned  to  Michigan  territory  ;  and 
m  consequence  of  his  good  conduct  in  this  affair,  was  promoted 
to  the  rank  of  major. 

Hitherto  nothing  of  moment  had  occurred,  which  could  have 
much  influence  on  the  final  result  of  the  war.     On  the  ocean, 
It  had  been  glorious  for  us ;  on  the  lakes  and  on  the  frontier 
our  arms  during  the  last  year,  had  retrieved  our  former  dis- 
graces  ;  and  on  the  sea  coast,  the  enemy  had  discovered  that  it 
was  not  an  easy  matter  to  make  an  impression.     It  is  true,  the 
disastrous  issue  of  the  campaign  against  Canada  took  from  us  all 
hope  of  being  able  to  make  a  conquest  of  that  province,  under 
present  circumstances;  but  the  happy  termination  of  the  Indian 
war  to  the  westward,  and  its  success  in  the  s6uth,  afforded 
some  consolation.     An  important  crisis,  however,  had  arrived 
m  the  general  state  of  our  affairs.     The  third  year  of  the  war 
lound  the  situation  of  this  country  materially  changed  for  the 
worse.     The  gloomiest  periods  of  the  revolution  had  scarcely 
presented  a  state  of  things  more  painfully  discouracrina.     The 
distresses  of  the  northern  states,  wliose  subsistence 'in ''a  great 
measure  depended  upon  their  shipping,  and  of  the  people  of  the 
south,  whose  staples  had  almost  ceased  tobeof  any  value;  torre- 
ther  with  the  embarrassments  of  the  banks  in  the  middle  states  • 
had  begun,  at  last,  to  make  us  feel  that  we  were  at  war.    To  a 
nation  who  had  been  for  years  in  the  most  flourishintr  state   a 
check  to  the  general  prosperity,  however  it  might  result  in  ulti- 
mate  good,  was  felt  as  a  positive  affliction.     To  the  farmincr 
interest  the  effects  of  hostilities  were  rather  beneficial :  producS 
advanced  greatly  in  price,  and  lands  increased  in  value  •  and 
the  wealth  of  the  cities,  no  longer  employed  in  commerce,  was 
diverted  to  the  interior,  and  soon  discovered  itself  in  the  im- 
provements  of  the  lands,  the  erection  of  towns,  and  the  estab- 


in  our  AfHiini. 

kneel,  that  the 
lom  the  enemy, 
ned  with  equal 

0  charije  heina 
m  their  pieces 
)clongs    to  the 

hard  figliting, 
ching,  captain 
esides,  his  men 
arly  worn  out 
lerican  loss  on 
six  killed  and 
itish,  their  loss 
lians.  Captain 
srritory  ;  and, 
was  promoted 

Ich  could  have 
On  the  ocean, 

1  the  frontier, 
ur  former  dis- 
covered that  it 

It  is  true,  the 
)okfrom  us  all 
ovince,  under 

of  the  Indian 
iuth,  afforded 
',  had  arrived 
ar  of  the  war 
inged  for  the 
had  scarcely 
raging.  The 
;e  in  a  great 

people  of  the 
f  value ;  toge- 
middle  states; 
It  war.  To  a 
hing  state,  a 
result  in  ulti- 

the  farming 


PIISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


207 


;ial :  produce 
1  value ;  and 
iiimerce,  was 
f  in  the  im- 
id  the  estab- 


Serious  Crisis  in  our  Affairs  . 


■  Napoleon  overthrown. 


lishment  of  manufactiir-PQ       u„t  tu  l         ,^   . 

only  was  cxhibiJ      tL      .  i    ""'^^o^^l^lc  ride  of  the  picture 

more  ser  ou,  t^r  ■     ',?  °",''  """'' """  ^"'(•'"i"'''  "^-mcd  a 

Henry,  at  the  formation  of  the  constitution  •  nn.i  ft       ^'""^f^ 

and  increase  the  dispositLt^VEng'^X^'pt;^^^^^^^^ 
The  disorders  in  our  financial  syltem  were  alarmfn^    and  ii 
was  confidently  predicted,  that,  from  the  wantTf  fifn'rl^   1 
a  ministration  would    be  compelled  to  yie  d  up  the  i-eins  of 
go.^rnment,  or  throw  the  nation  upon  the  merc^of  the  enemv 

Witt  inTff    ^^^  °''""'^  '"  Europe,  which  coufdnci t  v"eS 
with  indifference,  even  on  these  distant  shores  •  nnH  Z 
quences  threatened  us  with  serious  dan^Pr      tI  u°"'^' 

emperor  of  France  had  been  huHed  f^oTh  's  tJ^^'one'td'Z 
house  of  Bourbon  restored,  by  thecombined  powers  ^f  Europe 
This  event  was  received  by  some  of  our  fellow  citLns  with 
open  rejoicing,  as  though  it  brought  some  signal  good  for  rune 

Lrin™  bet^fi'.'V^ -^  ^""^"  "-"^^  To  thif  couSy  i  ould 
p3  uu  ^  I  ^^'  '*  "'^'  "°^  •'^^'y  that  the  Bourbon  kinHf 
France,  although  he  might  not  so  cordially  hate  or  despise  us 

nuh?;  T  "^T  f'^^^Napoleon,  entertain  iLchregarrfbr  a  re.' 

E  ed  m'  ch  rthaTZdr:',""  T""'"'  "^^  ''''  '°  ^ave  contr  b- 
severdv  suffered      TnH    i  ^f  o'^tion,  in  which  his  family  had  so 

a  king.  But,  as  Great  Britain  had  ciaimcd  the  chieTmerit  of 
efiecing  this  wonderful  operation,  public   reioickTgs  for  th« 

eTmieT'  Th  'P^"?""  ''  ''"'^^'^y  ^'^^  tSe  Sss  of  oS? 
enem.es.      The  event  was,  in  reality,  greatly  adverse  to  our 


i 


i-:: 


208 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


_-_-Pj!!°-L"''"''"  '''''P'='»  ''"  undivided  energiea  against  the  Urited  States. 


national  interests.  Fired  by  her  success  in  the  wars  of  the 
continent,  and  extravagantly  elated  by  her  supposed  power 
and  greatness,  our  enemy  could  now  send  her  veteran  troops 
and  her  numerous  fleets  to  chastise  America;  while  our  com- 
missioners  in  Europe  were  allowed  to  remain  for  months  un- 
noticed.  This  turn  of  aflliirs,  so  far  from  affording  ground  for 
exultation,  ought  rather  to  have  depressed  the  friends  of  liberty 
and  America.  Great  Britain  was  highly  incensed  that  we  had 
not,  with  all  due  patience  and  meekness,  continued  to  endure 
her  numerous  and  flagrant  outrages,  until,  disengaged  from  her 
European  war,  she  should  have  leisure  to  cope  with  us  on  what 
she  called  equal  terms,  or,  in  other  words,  be  in  a  condition  to 
direct  the  undivided  force  of  her  immense  army  and  navy  against 
us.  It  now  behoved  us  to  think  no  more  of  invading  Canada :  our 
northern  frontier  was  to  be  laid  waste,  our  sea  coast  devastated ; 
and  the  utmost  to  bo  expected,  was  a  successful  self-defence. 
In  the  plenitude  of  her  a.  -ogance,  Britain  talked  of  recolonizing 
our  country,  and  of  crippling  us  for  fifty  years  to  come.  Such 
was  the  situation  of  America  at  this  eventful  period.  The  time 
was  approaching  which  would  test  the  strength  of  our  confede- 
ration, and  our  ability  for  defence,  and,  what  was  still  more  in- 
teresting,  the  sincerity  of  our  attachment  to  political  institutions, 
which,  if  not  venerable  from  time,  deserved  the  highest  admi- 
ration for  their  justice  and  wisdom. 

The  northern  sea  coast,  which  had  thus  far  experienced  little 
molestation  from  the  enemy,  became  the  object  of  attack  early 
in  the  spring.  On  the  7th  of  April,  a  body  of  sailors  and  ma- 
rines, to  the  number  of  two  hundred,  ascending  the  Connecticut 
river,  landed  at  Saybrook,  and  spiked  the  cannon  and  de- 
stroyed the  shipping  they  found  there :  thence,  proceeding  to 
Brockway's  Ferry,  they  did  the  same ;  and,  remaining  there, 
amused  themselves,  unapprehensive  of  attack,  for  twenty-four 
hours.  In  the  meantime,  a  body  of  militia,  aided  by  a  number 
of  marines  and  sailors,  under  captain  Jones  and  lieutenant  Bid- 
die,  from  the  neighbouring  American  squadron,  had  collected  for 
the  purpose  of  cutting  off  their  retreat ;  but  the  British,  taking 
advantage  of  a  very  dark  nigbi,  and  using  muffled  oars,  escaped 
safely  to  their  fleet,  having  destroyed  two  hundred  thousand 
dollars  worth  of  shipping. 

About  this  time,  the  coasting  trade  was  almost  destroyed  by 
a  British  privateer,  the  Liverpool  Packet,  which  cruised  in  Long 
Island  Sound.  Commodore  Lewis  sailed  with  a  detachment  of 
thirteen  gun-boats,  and  sucwrdcd  in  chasing  her  off.  Proceed- 
ing to  Saybrook,  on  his  arrival  there  he  found  upwards  of  fifly 
vessels  bound  eastward,  but  afraid  to  venture  out.     The  com 


hitei  States. 

le  wars  of  the 
jpposed  power 
veteran  troops 
while  our  com- 
for  months  un- 
!lng  ground  for 
lends  of  liberty 
ed  that  we  had 
nued  to  endure 
gaged  from  her 
vith  us  on  what 
a  condition  to 
id  navy  against 
g Canada:  our 
1st  devastated ; 
i\  self-defence, 
if  rccolonizing 
>  come.  Such 
od.  The  time 
jf  our  confede- 
s  still  more  in- 
;al  institutions, 
highest  admi- 

pericnced  little 
if  attack  early 
ailors  and  ma- 
le Connecticut 
nnon  and  de- 
proceeding  to 
naining  there, 
>t  twenty -four 
d  by  a  number 
ieutenant  Bid- 
id  collected  for 
British,  taking 
1  oars,  escaped 
Ired  thousand 

destroyed  by 
uised  in  Long 
letachment  of 
off.  Proceed- 
iwards  of  fifty 
.     The  com 


IJItiTOIiy  OF  THE  WAR. 

Northern  8«o  Con«  hivartcdl^Tc^^^od^^ 


209 


SeTv  dtr'  „         i"'^'";  '"'""S  '''°»<l  i".  »"<!  if  being  races- 
sively  dark,  commodore  Lewis  hud  been  obliged  lo  o?<l™  Vh. 

At  dayligh  ,  he  perceived  that  the  enemy  were  Zm°7wiy 
Iheir  vessels,  and  Tnslantly  resolved  to  pursue  (hem  •  bmJZS 
other  frigates  soo„  aller  makiug  their  appearrce    he  .h„n 
ir„d  ti  '^1"-  A™'  .--.W.herS  Z  of  Craney 

&h^rurr-rretai^rt':^^^ 

r„tt  i-r^tht-:'-" "'  --"  '-"rorrof: 

Formidable  squadrons  were  maintained  by  the  enemy  before 
the  ports  of  New  York,  New  London,  and  Boston     and  tb« 

outh      rlf"  ^f''  «"r'"y  ^'^^--^"^  «>anner  from  that  toThe 
south.     Commodore  Hardy  would  not  permit  any  wanton  out 
rages  upon  private  property,  or  upon  defenceless  indivilaJ  ' 
In  spite,  however,  of  his  prohibition,  there  were  particuhr  in 

n  wh1c.h°?h'^'  ^'''  '^'^'  °^^«^^  commanding  sm^aS  parti  s" 
in  which  they  gave  ^yay  to  their  insatiable  thirst  for  plunder* 
At  Wareham  and  Scituate,  they  burned  all  the  vessels  aUhP,; 
moonngs;  and  at  the  former  town,  they  set  fir?  o  an  Ixfen 
sive  cot  on  manufactory :  but  at  a   place  called   Boo"h  Bav 
they  met  with  a  spirited  resistance,  And  were  repeatedly  re'* 
Sotho'od  ""°"  '"P^^^*^  attacks,'by  themilSiaTnTetigh-' 

Onlhe'llth'of  ?^  f  '""'l  '""T  "^^"''^  ^^««  '"«'J«  i»  J"ly 
fo?cl  m„?  T^  '"°"^^'  '''•  ^h°'"««  Hardy,  with  a  strong 
force,  made  a  descent  on  Moose  Island,  in  Passamaquoddy 


} 


210 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Britiih  occupy  all  the  Inlands  in  PauamaqiioUdy  Bay. 


Bay,  and  aOcr  taking  possession  of  Eastport,  situated  on  that 
island,  declared  all  the  islands  and  towns  in  the  bay  to  ap- 
pertain  to  his  Britannic  majesty,  and  required  the  inhabitants 
to  appear  within  seven  days  and  take  the  oath  of  allegiance. 
About  two-thirds  of  the  inhabitants  submitted,  in  the  expecta- 
tion  of  enjoying  the  privileges  of  subjects :  nevertheless,  in  the 
month  of  August,  the  council  of  the  province  of  New  Bruns- 
wick  declared,  that  notwithstanding  the  oath  of  allegiance 
which  they  had  taken,  they  should  be  considered  as  a  conquered 
people,  and  placed  under  military  government.  Eastport  was 
soon  after  strongly  fortified,  and  remained  in  the  possession  of 
the  British  until  the  conclusion  of  the  war ;  but  they  found  ex- 
trome  difficulty  in  subsisting  their  troops,  and  desertions  were 
so  frequent  that  the  ofiiccrs  were  often  compelled  to  perform 
the  duties  of  sentinels. 

On  the  9th  of  August,  commodore  Hardy  sailed  with  a  part  of 
his  squadron,  for  the  purpose  of  attacking  Stonington.   The  ap- 
pearance  of  this  force  before  the  town  excited  much  alarm,  which 
was  not  diminished  when  the  inhabitants  received  a  message  from 
the  commodore,  directing  them  to  remove  the  women  and  chil- 
dren, as  he  had  received  orders  to  reduce  the  place  to  ashes. 
Although  with  very  trifling  means  of  defence,  the  citizens  de- 
termined to  make  an  attempt  to  save  their  property ;  having  first 
complied  with  the  terms  of  the  commodore's  note.    The  handful 
of  militia  of  the  place  repaired  to  a  small  battery  erected  on  the 
shore,  and  to  a  breast-work  thrown  up  for  musketry;  and  at  the 
same  time  despatched  an  express  to  obtain  assistance  from  gene- 
ral Cushing,  commanding  at  New  London.    In  the  evening,  five 
barges  and  a  large  launch,  filled  with  men,  approached  the 
shore,  under  cover  of  a  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy's  ships.    The 
Americans,  reserving  their  fire  until  the  enemy      ere  within 
short  grape  distance,  opened  two  eighteen-poundcrs  on  the  in- 
vaders, and  soon  compelled  them  to  retire  out  of  the  reach  of 
the  battery.     The  British  next  endeavoured  to  land  at  the  east 
side  of  the  town,  which  they  supposed  defenceless ;  but  a  part 
of  the  mihtia  being  detached  thither  with  a  six-pounder,  thev 
were  again  repulsed.     The  enemy  now  retired  to  their  ships, 
determined  to  renew  the  attack  in  the  morning ;  and  in  the 
meantime  kept  up  a  bombardment  until  midnight.     The  next 
morning,  at  dawn,  one  of  the  enemy's  vessels  approached  within 
pistol  shot  of  the  battery,  and  the  barges  advanced  in  still  greater 
numbers  than  the  day  before :  these  were  again  gallantly  re- 
pulsed, and  the  vessel  was  driven  from  her  anchorage.     The 
squadron  then  renewed  the  bombardment  of  the  town.Yut  with- 
out  effect;  and  on  the  12th,  thecommodore  thought  proper  to 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


211 


Bay. 

tuatcd  on  that 
the  bay  to  ap- 
thc  inhabitants 

of  allegiance. 
n  the  expecta- 
rtheless,  in  the 
)f  New  Bruns- 

of  allegiance 
as  a  conquered 

Eaatport  was 
!  possession  of 
they  found  ex- 
!esertions  were 
led  to  perform 

I  with  a  part  of 
^ton.  The  ap- 
1  alarm,  which 
,  message  from 
•men  and  chil- 
lace  to  ashes. 
0  citizens  de- 
y;  having  first 
The  handful 
erected  on  the 
try ;  and  at  the 
ice  from  gene- 
!  evening,  five 
jproached  the 
's  ships.  The 
ere  within 
srs  on  the  in- 

the  reach  of 
nd  at  the  east 
s ;  but  a  part 
pounder,  they 
0  their  ships, 
;;  and  in  the 
t.  The  next 
oached  within 
in  still  greater 

gallantly  re- 
lorafe^  The 
iwn,  but  with- 
ght  proper  to 


_Brltl«lioccupy  Maine  ciiiit  of  the  Penobwot .  ■  ■  ■  De.truction  of  the  John  Adam» 

retire.  The  inhabitants,  afuTthis  gallant  defence,  w~hich,  con", 
sidenng  the  means  with  which  it  was  effected  and  the  «reat 
disparity  of  force  opposed  to  them,  deserves  much  praise,  once 
more  occupied  their  dwellings  in  security. 

It  was  not  long  after  this,  that  the  British  claimed  ali  that 
part  of  the  territory  of  Maine  between  the  river  Penobscot,  and 
Passamaquoddy  Bay.  On  the  1st  of  September,  the  governor 
ol  Nova  Scotia,  and  admiral  Griffith,  entered  the  Penobscot 
and  seized  the  town  ofCastinc,  which  the  garrison  had  previ- 
ousy  evacuated.  A  proclamation  was  then  issued,  declaring 
uat  possession  of  that  portion  of  Maine  which  lies  east  of  tho 
1  enobscot  was  formally  taken  in  the  name  of  his  Britannic 
majesty.  The  country,  which  contained  about  thirty  thousand 
inhabitants,  was  then  gradually  occupied,  and  was  retained  until 
The  termination  of  the  war. 

A  few  days  before  the  occupation  ofCastinc,  the  frigate  John 
Adams,  captain  Morris,  entered  the  Penobscot  river,  after  a 
successful  cruise ;  and  having  run  upon  the  rocks  near  that 
port,  was  obliged  to  be  hove  down  at  Hampden,  thirty.five  miles 
up  the  river,  for  the  purpose  of  being  repaired.  On  the  3d  of 
September,  several  of  the  British  vessels,  and  ten  barges,  man- 
ned  by  about  one  thousand  men,  ascended  from  Canine  for  the 
purpose  of  capturing  the  frigate.  Captain  Morris,  apprized  of 
their  approach,  erected  several  bt^tteries,  on  eminences  near  his 
vessel,  and  armed  the  militia.  Finding,  however,  that  there 
was  no  possibility  of  successfully  resisting  the  enemy,  he  or- 
dered  the  greater  part  of  his  crew  to  retreat  under  lieutenant 
Wadsworth,  while  he  himself  and  a  few  men  remained,  to  blow 
up  the  ship.  This  they  effected ;  and  then  plunged  into  the 
river  and  reached  a  place  of  safety  by  swimming.  The  Bri- 
tish,  disappointed  in  this  undertaking,  retired  to  Castine. 


1  -i'  . 


Ml 


If  I 


9t9 


BUACKKNKll)(^,«ti 


I 

i 

i 

i 

Wavtl  Evenn ■ .... ...■  The  Pwildent  ■ The C'oMtitullon. 


CHAPTER  XVI. 


Naval  Evcnti-The  PInntngenot  S«veiity.Fonr  declines  a  ContCKt  with  Commo. 
dore  Ro.lger8-Cnptaiii  Stewart  clmseg  a  Uritioh  Krignte  of  c(|unl  force-Cruiro  of 
Ci)n.mo(l„re  Porter  iti  the  EHRex-He  rnplurea  twelve  arine.l  nriti»h  Whale  8lii|«- 
Arrivca  at  the  Isliind  of  NiMmlieevali-TukcsposscuNion  in  tlio  nnnioof  the  American 
Oovernmenl-Ilis  Difflcultie»  with  the  Savages  there-lie  burns  the  TyiM-e  Villages  - 
British  Abiisc-Commodoro  Porter  arrives  at  Valparaiso-la  attacked  by  the  Phujba 
and  Cherub-Hi,  Desperala  Kesistancc-Caplure  of  the  Esse-x  and  Essex  Junior— 
The  Peacock  captures  the  British  Brig  Epervier-The  Wasp  captures  the  Rcindeor- 
The  Wasp  sinks  tho  Avon-Mysterious  loss  of  the  Wasp-Cruise  of  the  President 
the  Peacock  and  iho  Hnrnet-'J'he  President  captured  by  a  British  Squadron-The 
Constitution  ensagos  and  captorcs  the  Cyanc  and  tho  Levant-The  Hornet  Captain 
Bi.ldle,  captures  the  Penguin-Exploits  of  Privateers-Capture  of  the  American  Pri- 
vateer  Armstrong,  after  a  dreadful  Carnage  of  tho  Eneitij . 

The  naval  incidents  of  ciglitecn  hundrr  .1  and  fourteen,  were 
as  grateful  to  the  feelings  of  the  nation  tis  I  hose  of  the  two  pre- 
vious years. 

An  occurrence  took  place  in  the  beginning  of  it,  which  afford- 
ed much  mortification  to  the  enemy.  In  the  month  of  Febru- 
ary, commodore  Rodgers,  on  his  return  from  a  cruise  in  the 
President,  found  himself  off  Sandy  Hook,  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  three  large  British  ships  of  war,  the  nearest  of  which  was 
the  Plantagenet,  a  seventy-four.  Believing  that  an  engagement 
with  one,  or  all  of  them,  was  unavoidable,  he  immediately 
clenred  for  action,  determining  not  to  surrender  his  ship  without 
sella  g  it  as  dearly  as  he  could.  But  notwithstanding  he  fired 
a  gun  to  windward  as  a  proof  of  his  willingness  to  engage,  the 
British  vessels  did  not  think  proper  to  approach,  and  he  reached 
New  York  safely.  Captain  Lloyd,  of  th-  Plantagenet,  after 
returning  to  England,  accounted  for  his  conduct,  by  alleging  n 
mutiny  in  his  ship ;  and  several  of  his  sailors  were  "executed  on 
the  charge. 

In  the  month  of  April,  captain  Stewart  was  on  his  return  in 
the  Constitution  from  a  cruise,  when  he  was  chased  by  two 
B..t2sh  '■■  ^ates  and  <  brig  but  escaped  by  superior  seamanship 
ipto  irlriri .  .c  vr.  S.rnc  tiu^p.  befoie,  after  capturing  the  pub- 
he  scho  ^-e-    ■  tv;,  he  ."ell  in  with  the  British  frigate  La  Pique, 


mititutloa. 


ntci't  Willi  CommO' 
inl  force— Cruidc  of 
itish  Whale  BliiiM-. 
tncof  th(>  American 
he  Tyiice  Villages— 
icketl  by  tho  Phicbe 
BiirJ  E«8ex  Junior— 
iirus  the  Reindeer— 
le  of  Ihe  PreHidcnt, 
Ish  S<mnclron~The 
he  Hornet,  Ca|itain 
'the  American  Pri- 


foiirtccn,  were 
)f  the  two  pre- 

,  which  aflbrd- 
nth  of  Febru- 
cruise  in  the 
leighbourhood 
of  which  was 
n  engagement 
immediately 
s  ship  without 
iding  he  fired 
:o  engage,  the 
nd  he  reached 
tagenet,  after 
by  alleging  n 
•e  executed  ou 

his  return  in 
hased  by  two 
ir  seamanship 
ring  the  pub- 
;ate  La  Pique, 


niSTOUV  OF  THE  WAR.  -jlSi 

I  hat  brave  and  adventurous  seaman,  commodore  Porter  of 
he  Essex,  ternnnated  this  year  his  glori;us  cruise  in  the  Pacific 
1  rom  Lima,  .„  the  neighbourhood  of  which  he  had  chasti  S 
the  pirates  of  the  ship  Nereyda,  he  proceeded  to  the  r„l?i 

up  were  convoyed  by  this  latter  officer  to  Varparaiso  On 
a  Br^sTs  '^'""°"''  '"'^"'S'^"^^  '«  commodore'  P"e;,  tha" 
war  and  T^torT' ^""T^^  "^  ""^  ^"^ate  and  two  sloc;p    of 

the  Essex  Tho  l'^  °V'''"'^'  S""^'  ^""^  «^"«d  i"  ^"est  of 
ine  i.ssex.     Ihe  commodore,  having  been  almost  a  vonr  ai 

his '.iio  sh'"M  '"T"'"""'  ''^""^  it  absolutely  necess^y  ha 
his  ship  should  undergo  considerable  repairs.     With  this  view 

Madison's  uLT    \^^  '^^  ^'"f '"""  government ;   calling  it 

Lwishe  Th.;  K-r.''  T'y^ther  respect  suitable  to 
bit  Ty^'r .,  UnJtf'T  ^'  ^'''  ''''''  apparently  friendlv ; 
Z\Jlr    ■  °  ^^°'^  ^^  perceived  that  his  situation  would 

be  unsafe,  m  consequence  of  a  war  which  prevailed  between  ihe 
mlmbttants  of  a  neighbouring  village,  and^hose  byThom  he 
^nth^r.  '''"''1-  u  ^^^  ^^"^^  '"''^^ted  upon  his  joinin.Them 

Comoe  1  ?!?'  ""^  '^'T""'^  '°  ^"^^  ^^"^  ^^^«y  if  he  did  noL 
e^ompelled  by  a  regard  to  his  own  snfrtv,  th.  .o-^nr^"--    -- 

l£l^lr'^°''  ""''^  '^^  natives,  wiio,"i;ythd;  a^i^tanS; 
ibout  between  them:   m  return  for  which,  the  natives  erected 


814 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


_Cormnod«eJ'orterburns  tl><._r>pee  Villases at  Nooaheevah. 


a  village  for  his  accommodation,  and  fV^dTt^^ad^with  him 
fo.-^prov.s,ons;  and  for  some  time  the  greatest  harmony  P 

Ilk  security  was  again  menaced  by  the  hostile  conduct  of 
he  lypees,  one  of  the  most  warlike  tribes  on  the  island,  who 
^  ere  contmually  urgmg  the  friendly  savages  to  destroV  the 
strangers.      Fmdmg   his   situation  growing  every  day  more 
crifcal,  and  bemg  very  unwilling  to  engage  in  a  war  with  them 
he  commodore  sent  them  presents,  and  requested  that  S 
would  remam  qu.et  and  be  at  peace.     This  k,d  no  other  effect 
than  to  mcrease  their  insolence  to  the  Americans,  whom    hey 
represented  as  cowardly,  or  they  would  not  have  condesc    .ded 
to  beg  for  peace.     He  now  discovered  that  his  safety  depended 
entir^^ly  upon  makmg  these  people  feel  his  strength ;  as  k  was 
mipossible  for  Inm  to  leave  the  island  until  his  vessd  could  be 
repaired,  and  whde  the  greater  part  of  his  effects  were  actually 
on  shore.     He  therefore  set  off  against  them  at  the  head  of 
hirty-five  men,  determmed  to  give  them  battle,  and,  by  showing 
U.e  efficacy  of  his  weapons,  to  compel  them  to  a  pacific  course 

htLTT^  ?•'  ^5l'  "'"P  ""^^  S'"^^'''^''  those  tribes  which  had 
hitherto  been  friendly  were  on  the  point  of  breaking  out  into 
hostilities.     But  the  force  with  which  he  marched,  was  insX 
cient  to  make  any  impression  on  his  savage  enemies.     Their 
coun  ry  being  exceedingly  mountainous,  and  abounding  in  thick- 
e ts  It  was  easy  for  them  to  escape.      The  commodore  was, 
therefore,  compe  led  to   return  from  this   expedition  withou 
ach.evin.  his  object.     To  prevent  the  friendly  savages  from 
nsing,  he  found  it  necessary  to  inform  them,  that  he  wouM 
proceed  the  next  day  with  a  much  larger  body  of  men.     He 
now,  with  the  greater  part  of  his  crew,  marched  across  the 
mountains,  notwithstanding  the  extreme  difficulties  of  the  route 
and  penetrated  into  the  valleys  of  the  natives.     Bein^r  unable' 
to  come  at  them,  as  they  again  took  refuge  in  their  inaccessible 
fastnesses,  he  burnt  nine  of  their  villages,  and  then  retreated. 
Ihe   lypees  now  gladly  accepted  terms  of  peace;  and  all  the 
ribes  on  the  island  vied  with  each  other  in  friendship  towards 
the  whites,  as  long  as  the  commodore  remained. 

.The  destruction  of  the  Typee  villages  furnished  the  British 
writers  with  occasion  for  the  most  scandalous  abuse  of  com- 
modore  Porter  and  the  American  people.  The  burning  by  an 
American  ofncer,  in  self  defence  and  for  the  sakeof  peace  of  a 

few  wigwams  covered  with  palm  leaves,  erected  merely  for  shelter 
from  the  heats  or  ram.  of  the  torrid  ijune,  was  to  be  viewed 
with  horror;  while  the  conduct  of  the  British  government  in 
India,  m  America,  and  throughout  the  world,  without  any  motive 


HISTORY 


ooalieevah. 


traded  with  him 
est  harmony  pre- 

lostile  conduct  of 
1  the  island,  who 
s  to  destroy  the 
every  day  more 
a  war  with  them, 
ucsted  that  they 
id  no  other  eflect 
ans,  whom  'hey 
■\e  condesc    Jed 

safety  depended 
ength ;  as  it  was 
3  vessel  could  be 
3ts  were  actually 

at  the  head  of 
and,  by  showing 
a  pacific  course, 
tribes  which  had 
reaking  out  into 
led,  was  insuffi- 
inemies.     Their 
)unding  in  thick- 
ommodore  was, 
)edition  without 
y  savages  from 
I  that  he  would 
y  of  men.     He 
hed  across  the 
ies  of  the  route, 
Being  unable 
eir  inaccessible 
then  retreated. 
ce;  and  all  the 
ndship  towards 

hed  the  British 
abuse  of  corn- 
burning  by  an 
B  of  peace,  of  a 
irely  for  shelter 
s  to  be  viewed 
government  in 
out  any  motive 


215 


be  approved ;  and  that  w-.^  tho  »,!i  •         '^^"a^^t  which  could  not 

Downing  wilh  Ihe  EsL  S?"'  f"'""PO"«!<l  by  lieuteninl 
of  JannSrv/ieil  He  M  I  ;i,T„  i  »"'^='1">"<=  on  .he  12,h 
secured  uider  a  fori  whiih  I,  i  j  ^'"'  """"=  ""'<'>  P'''^e,. 
lieutenan.  c/ifrf  Th  L''i„es°''jr'i  '»  *°  '"'"«'>  "' 
Valparaiso  after  a  cerlain  li^e        '      ^  "*''  '"  ^""^""'^  "> 

par':i:o:7hi':r."So:tXttrrh°'^'"r"'^"'- 

frigate  aceo„,pa„ied  byThe  C&nhT„ro  'l™"  '"  Thi'"" 
sels  had  been  enninnpH  fx..  tu  "'""IJ  oi  war.      Ihese  ves- 

and  carrierfl?gs'Cing  tZZ'^fLT'^'r  *^«  ^^^  ' 
British  sailors'  best  right^s  ll^^tt^'of^n/th:^ ,?" ^T"^'^' 
in  allusion  to  Porter's  celebrated  motto  "pl/;       This  was 
nghts."     He  now  hoisted  afhis  m^zen    'cnH  '""'^  '"'^"'^ 
and  liberty :  tyrants  offend  them  "  '     ^°'^'  °"'  "^""'^y- 

men;  while  that  of  thl  ££7;".  f "''  7^  •^'"  ^""^^^'^ 
sixty.six  gun.  and  thro!  h  f  ,  ^^'^''^  •^""'°''  ^^^s  only 
dore  Portf ,  beinc.  p  ev7nf^7h  "l""^  '^^'^"^^  "^<^"-     Commo- 

diverting  the  pursuit  to  him     7T'"'''  [^,  ?"'  '^  •^^«'  ^"'^  ^y 
to  escape  to  a  p  ace  of  re  h'  '°  ^"'''''"  ^''«   ^ssex  Junior       , 
On  the  28th  of  $hrr.M^-'''"Hir'"'''""''y  ^'^f^^'"^^'^" 

o»  -be  *, ,:;  TioS  °  rrr  .;™sJ::'i 'srfof  fh^ 


'  t, 


'       -is; 


1        'I? 


I-   "  -  s  1 


216 


BRACK  ENllIDGE'S 


Commodore  Porter  is  attacked  by  the  Phrebe  and  Cherub. 


enemy,  a  squall  struck  the  American  vessel,  just  as  she  was 
doubling  the  point  forming  the  western  side  of  the  har- 
bour, which  carried  away  her  main  topmast.  Both  British 
ships  immediately  gave  chase.  Being  unable  to  escape  in  his 
crippled  state,  the  commodore  endeavoured  to  put  back  into 
the  harbour ;  but  finding  this  im]  racticable  he  ran  into  a  small 
bay,  about  three  quarters  of  a  mile  to  the  eastward  of  the  har- 
bour, and  anchored  within  pistol  shot  of  the  shore,  where,  from 
a  supposition  that  the  enemy  would  continue  to  respect  the 
neutrality  of  the  port,  he  thought  himself  secure.  He  soon 
found,  however,  by  the  manner  in  which  they  approached, 
that  he  was  inistaken.  With  all  possible  despatch,  therefore, 
he  prepared  his  ship  for  action,  and  endeavoured  to  get  a  spring 
on  his  cable:  he  had  not  accomplished  this  when  the  enemy  com- 
menced the  attack,  at  fifty-four  minutes  past  three,  P.  M.  At 
first,  the  Phoebe  placed  herself  on  his  stern,  and  the  Cherub  on 
his  larboard  bow ;  but  the  latter,  finding  herself  exposed  to  a  hot 
fire,  soon  changed  her  position,  and  with  her  consort  kept  up 
a  raking  fire  under  his  stern.  The  Americans,  being  unable  to 
bring  tljeir  broadside  to  bear  on  the  enemy,  were  obliged  to  rely 
for  defence  against  this  tremendous  attack,  on  three  long  twelve- 
pounders,  which  they  ran  out  of  the  stern  ports.  These  were 
worked  with  such  bravery  and  skill,  and  so  much  injury  to  the 
enemy,  as  in  half  an  hour  to  compel  them  to  haul  off  and  re- 
pair. It  was  evident  that  commodore  HiMyar  meant  to  risk 
nothing  from  the  daring  courage  of  the  Americans ;  all  his 
manoeuvres  were  deliberate  and  wary :  his  antagonist  was  in 
his  power,  and  his  only  concern  was  to  succeed  with  as  little 
loss  to  himself  as  possible.  The  situation  of  the  Essex  was 
now  most  deplorable :  already  many  of  the  gallant  crew  were 
killed  and  wounded  ;  and  the  crippled  state  of  their  ship  ren- 
dered it  impracticable  for  them  to  bring  her  guns  to  bear  upon 
the  enemy.  Still  they  were  not  disheartened  :  aroused  to  des- 
peration, they  expressed  their  defiance  to  the  enemy,  and  their 
determination  to  hold  out  to  the  last. 

The  enemy  having  repaired  his  damages,  now  placed  him- 
self,  with  both  ships,  on  the  starboard  quarter  of  the  Essex, 
where  none  of  her  guns  could  be  brought  to  bear,-  and  the 
commodore  saw  no  hope  of  injuring  him  but  by  getting  under 
way,  and  becoming  the  assailant.  The  flying-jib  was  the  only 
sail  he  had  lefl: :  causing  this  to  be  hoisted  and  cutting  his  cable,  he 
ran  down  on  both  ships,  with  the  intention  of  laying  the  Phoebe  on 
board.  Fur  a  short  time  he  was  enabled  to  close  with  the  enemy. 
Although  the  decks  of  the  Essex  were  strewed  with  dead,  and 
her  cockpit  was  filled  with  the  wounded;  although  she  had  been 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


I  Cherub. 

just  as  she  was 
icle  of  the  har- 
.  Both  British 
to  escape  in  his 
0  put  back  into 
ran  into  a  small 
ward  of  the  har- 
ore,  where,  from 
!  to  respect  the 
cure.  He  soon 
ley  approached, 
patch,  therefore, 
d  to  get  a  spring 
the  enemy  com- 
hree,  P.  M.  At 
d  the  Cherub  on 
exposed  to  a  hot 
consort  kept  up 
being  unable  to 
■e  obliged  to  re!y 
iree  long  twelve- 
s.  These  were 
ich  injury  to  the 
>aul  off  and  re- 
'  meant  to  risk 
iricans ;  all  his 
itagonist  was  in 
3d  with  as  little 
the  Essex  was 
Uant  crew  were 
r  their  ship  ren- 
ns  to  bear  upon 
aroused  to  des- 
lemy,  and  their 

low  placed  him- 
:  of  the  Essex, 

bear ;  and  the 
y  getting  under 
ib  was  the  only 
inghis  cable,  he 
igfhe  Phoebe  on 
ivith  the  enemy. 

with  dead,  and 
;h  she  had  been 


217 


His  Dasperate  Rcfiatance. 


several  times  on  fire,  anTw^^^hTih^tyTii^;^^ 

^TrT"  uT'  '^'''  '^''"''^^'  y^'  "^^  «-'^d,  in  conseo'uence o? 

off  ShTd  ,  '"!°  ?  "^""'^  ?'^P^'^  "^  '°  be  compel  eVtoTau 
off  She  did  not  return  to  close  action  again  ;  but  she  ken  m 
her  fire  at  a  distance,  with  her  long  guns.   The  Essex  was  un.hlS 

edTedTff  anf ',  ^'7"^^°^  °^  *'-  circumstance  TsuSS^t 
edged  off,  and  also  kept  up,  at  a  distance,  a  destructive  fire 
Commodore  Porter,  finding  that  the  enemy  had  it  in  S  powe; 
to  choose  his  distance,  at  last  gave  up  all  hopeof  a"a  ncJmb. 
to  close  quarters,  and  attempted  to  ^un  hii^vessel  on  S 
The  wind  at  that  moment  favoured  the  desi-n  ;  but  it  sudd  nl v 
changed,  turning  her  head  upon  the  Phceberand  exnoshJrKlj 

he'  5r  f"?  ^'^U    J'^\^'"5  ""^  *°'^"y  unm'anageabL  '  b,   as 
shednfuT    with    her  head  to  the  enemy,  commodore  Portor 

riZTrr^'^.  '^'  ^'^'  "''  ^^'""2  able  to  bo'rd.  \t  tl  3 
mo-nent  le-utenant-commandant  Downes,  of  the  Es^ex  Junior 
came  on  .oard  to  receive  orders,  in  the  expectation  thaThis  com 
mander  would  soon  be  a  prisoner.  His  ervices  could  be  of  no 
avail  in  the  present  deplorable  state  of  the  Essex  and  find  n? 
from  the  enemy's  putting  up  his  helm,  tL.t  tfe  bsU^emS 
boa  dmg  would  not  succeed,  he  directed  Downes  to  3  ?o 
his  ship,  to  be  prepared  for  defending  her  in  case  of  attack 
and,  if  necessary,  of  destroyincr  her.  °  '"  ''''^  °^  ^"^^k, 

The  slaughter  on  board  the  Essex  now  became  horrible  tf,« 
enemy  continuing  to  rake  her,  while  she  was^Lb^o  br  J^ 
a  single  gun  to  bear.  Still  her  commander  refused  to  vi  J 
while  a  ray  of  hope  appeared.  Every  expedien  S  a  it 
and  inventive  genius  cou  d  su^crcst  was  resorfpd  Jir^Vr 
orn  chanccthathe  might  be ai;ie,i;;?Je  'k^  rVumt 
o  escape  from  the  grasp  of  the  foe.'  A  hawser  wabem  to.  he 
sheet  anchor,  and  the  anchor  cut  from  the  bows  'o  hH  thl 
ship  s  head  around  This  succeeded,  and  the  broadside  of  le 
lissex  was  a^ain  brouoht  to  hmr      a    .u         """^'ut-  01  me 

crippled  and  "unable  toehold  hi  own  t  trCdTh  7^" 
might  dria  out  of  gun-shot,  befo^erdi^cj;  ed  Xt  1  e  Es! 
sex  had  anchored  :  but  alas  I  this  last  expedient  fa  led  the 
hawser  parted,,  and  with  it  went  the  last  lingerinc;  hope  of  I  o 
Essex.  At  this  moment  her  situation  was^awful  End  £ 
scnption.  She  was  on  fire  both  before  and  aft  ;  the  flames  were 
bursting  up  each  hatchway;  a  quantity  of  powder  had  exploded 

.hus.urrotnded  by  horrors,  with  no  probability  of  maintainin"'r; 
h.s  sh,p  ,he  commodore  directed  his  atlention  toLving  as  man  v 

Ire  '^Zr'^t?:  °^  ^^  ^°"'^  '•  ""'^  ^^  'he  distaniS 
shore  did  not  exceed  three  quarters  of  a  mile,  he  hoped  thai 


Ik 


IMU 


1 

I 

1 

i 

1 

i 

1 

llil 

ijii 

218 


BRACKENUIDGE'S 


Capture  of  the  Essex  anO  Essex  Junior. 


'if' ill 


tnnny  of  them  would  make  their  escape  before  the  sliip  blew  up. 
The  boats  had  been  destroyed  by  the*fenemy's  shot :  he  there- 
fore ordered  such  as  could  swim  to  jump  overboard  and  en- 
deavour to  gain  the  land.  Some  reached  it,  some  were  taken  by 
the  enemy,  and  some  perished  in  the  attempt ;  but  the  o-reater 
pa"t  of  his  generous  crew  resolved  to  stay  by  the  shfp,  and 
share  the  fate  of  their  commander. 

They  now  laboured  to  extinguish  the  flames,  arid  succeeded. 
After  this,  they  again  repaired  to  their  guns,  but  their  strength 
had  become  so  much  exhausted,  that  an  effort  at  further  resis- 
tance was  vain.  Commodore  Porter  then  summoned  a  consulta- 
tion of  the  oflicers  ;  but  was  surprised  to  find  only  one  acting 
lieutenant,  Stephen  Decatur  M'Knight,  remaining.  The  ac° 
counts  from  every  part  of  the  ship  were  deplorable  indeed  :  she 
was  in  imminent  danger  of  sinking,  and  so  crowded  with  the 
wounded,  that  the  cockpit,  the  steerage,  the  wardroom  and 
the  birth  deck  could  hold  no  more.  In  the  meantime  the 
enemy,  at  a  secure  distance,  continued  his  fire ;  and  the  water 
having  become  smooth,  he  struck  the  huUof  the  Essex  at  every 
shot.  At  last,  despairing  of  saving  his  ship,  the  commodore 
was  compelled,  at  twenty  minutes  past  six  P.  M.,  to  give  the 
painful  orders  to  strike  the  colours.  The  enemy,  not  seeing 
probably  that  this  had  taken  place,  continued  to  fire  for  ten 
minutes  after  ;  and  Porter,  under  a  belief  that  they  intended  to 
give  no  quarter,  was  about  to  direct  the  colours  to  be  again 
hoisted,  when  the  firing  ceased.  The  loss  on  board  the 
Essex  was  fifty-cight  killed,  thirty-nine  wounded  severely, 
twenty-seven  slightly,  and  thirty-one  missing.  The  loss  of 
the  British  was  five  killed,  and  ten  wounded.  Their  vessels 
were  both  much  cut  up  in  their  hulls  and  rigging ;  and  the  Phcebe 
could  scarcely  be  kept  afloat  until  she  anchored  in  the  port  of 
Valparaiso  next  morning.  Thus  terminated  one  of  'he  most 
desperate  naval  combats  on  record. 

Commodore  Porter  was  permitted,  on  his  parol,  to  return  to 
the  United  States  in  the  Essex  Junior,  which  was  converted 
into  a  cartel  for  the  purpose.  On  arriving  off  the  port  of  New 
York,  he  was  brought  to  and  detained  by  the  Saturn  razee  ;  and, 
to  the  disgrace  of  the  British  arms,  compelled  to  give  up  his 
paro,l,  and  delared  a  prisoner  of  war.  The  Essex  Junior  was 
ordered  to  remain  under  the  lee  of  the  Saturn.  Commodore 
Porter  now  determined  to  attempt  his  escape,  though  thirty 
mjles  from  shore.  IManning  a  boat  with  a  sufficient  crew,  he  put 
OiTj  and  nutwitlislanding  that  he  was  pursued  from  the  Saturn, 
he  arrived  safely  in  New  York.  His  countrymen  received  him 
with  open  arms ;  and  the  most  unbounded  demonstrations  of 


f 


he  ship  blew  up. 
shot :  he  there- 
jrboard  and  en- 
e  were  taken  by 
but  the  greater 
f  the  ship,  and 

arid  succeeded. 
it  their  strength 
at  further  resis- 
ted a  consulta- 
)nly  one  acting 
ling.  The  ac- 
ible  indeed  :  she 
owded  with  the 
wardroom  and 
:  meantime  the 

and  the  water 
Essex  at  every 
he  commodore 
rl.,  to  give  the 
!my,  not  seeing 
to  fire  for  ten 
hey  intended  to 
urs  to  be  again 
on  board  the 
nded  severely, 
The  loss  of 

Their  vessels 
and  the  Phoebe 
1  in  the  port  of 
•ne  of  ♦he  most 

ol,  to  return  to 
was  converted 
le  port  of  New 
irn  razee ;  and, 

to  give  up  his 

lex  Junior  was 

Commodore 

though  thirty 
nt  crew,  he  put 
am  the  fcSaturn, 
;n  received  him 
lonstratlons  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 

JlhePeacockcoinure^tl,^ 


219 


joy  prevailed  wherever  he  appeared      C>Hn7^^l7i~ '■ 

h.s  country  justly  claimed  itfgratiLe  an    estt  r'''^''' '^ 
Perhaps  a  more  dronrKni  „v..™.-,.  _.V  V"^  ^s  eem. 


Perhaps  a"mo^  dro.;;!^:^:;^':^  "Z  ''^''T' 


able  coui-a^ 

never  exhibited  :  to  an  AmoriT^i^'T  "^."-"'^'^  "'  "le  tissex  was 
grateful  and  proud  r  col  e.io; "'  VT"^  '"'''^  ''^''''^  "^"''^ 
spontaneousexpressionof  hum  n'r  •'!''''''"-  '°  ^'^^  ^''^ 
when  contendinVag^fns  s,  p"n"  f  tS"  't^  °'^  "".^^'^' 
inhabitants  of  Valparaiso  coveroTti  , ,  -thousands  of  the 

spectators  of  the  c'onflic".  Ccle  V";'  1:^7''  '"^''^^'  ^^ 
Ol  the  Essex,  and  filled  with  adm  ration  at  ho  fmlr'"  '*^""^i™ 
and  persevering  bravery  of  her  rom  1  7  ""'^'^gg"ig  spirit 
reus  anxiety  animatedYe  mnlfit-^S  r  '^u'-^".''  ''■"^''  ^  g^"«- 
delight  aros^e  when'by  any"  c  situ^^^^^  «"-^«  of 

-groa^of^ym;s.nc.;:Tsrh^tr^^ 

forcer terminatec-    n  favour^  tt  /"^  •'""=  ^H  '"^'^^'y  °^ 
war  Peacock,  captain  Wan-ln  J      "^"'encans.     The  sloop  of 

performed  a  crS"ur];;g\KTn;er  "^^^^^^^  '''^^ 

chased  into  St.  Mary V^.  She  soon  n  ft."  ?*  ^-et^rn,  was 
on  the  29th  of  April  discovered  thp  R.vT  T*  'V''^  ^S''''"'  «"d 
captain  Wales,  ^ith  severrtssel^S^^^^^ 
mediately  made  sail  on  her  anDro^lh  A  ''''"''">'  '"'^'^^^  >"'"• 
the  two  vessels  of  war  fbllowKon"  o  "  ""S^g^'^^nt  l^et^veen 
broadside,  the  foreylrd  of  the  Po  °  "  .^""""""ds.     At  the  first 

two  round  shot  inTe  sLta'rT^;tT  t"fhi''"^'  '^ 
deprivedof  theuseof  her  forennH  r^/        •,    ^  *'^'^'  ^^^  ''^^^ 
to  keep  aloof  during  ihVZ^-^nirTX  '"''•'  ^"^  '''''  obliged 
forty.two  minutes.^  In  th,"     "^r  sf  ^'  ''•'°".'  "'^'^^  '"^^^^ 
damage  in  her  riggin"  but  herhn        ""'"'''^  'considerable 
The  Epervier  struck  w  th  L^  r   .       '"'''  "°'  «^  ^'"  '"Jured. 
mast  oler  the  si^e,  h^  main  £n  "''f  '"  '^^•-  '^''''^'  ^'^'^  'op- 
cut  nearly  in  two.  her  for^rilinr*  f  °'  ^'''•^'  ''^'-  foremast 
her  hull  pierceclb;forty°five^-^^=  '"'^.  ''7^^'^°^  «^^'^y'  «"d 
a  foot  of  her  water  iSe      Of  w'  '"^"'^^"'"'''^  "'^''o  "'''''" 
her  first  lieutenant  and  Vou^fln     ""  ''"'■""  ^^ore  killed,  and 

mediatelytaken  posit n  of  h"'T-''?""^'^'^-  '^'^^  ^^'"«  '■'"■ 
officer  of  thp  pJ:^T     ?  °^  hy  Lieutenant  Nicholson,  fir.f 

same  ship,  had'  ree^'aSv' dlstin'r- T'J' •  ^°°'-'^^^«  °^"^he 
action.  ThesumofonerunriJ  ^^  'l''^'^  '"  ^"other  naval 
in  specie.  ..  fo,,//-  tr/^SL'SS  tZ i^*'^! 


.      (' 


'■       ^\\ 


^M-, 


V 

I 


220 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


_Tl.eVVa.p  captures  the  Reindeer Tsink.  the  Avon. 


Captain  W  arnngton  immeciiat(.>ly  set  sail,  witli  his  prize,  for 
one  ol  the  souihern  ports.  Tl.e  day  followiiig,  the  captain  dis- 
covered  two  rr.oates  m  clmse.  At  the  sugge.fon  of  h'eutenant 
^ic  holson  lie  toolc  all  the  prisoners  on  board  the  PeaCock  :  and 
eavm-  only  si.xtcen  men  on  board  the  Epervier,  directed  her 
to  seek  the  nearest  port.  By  skilful  seamanship  the  captain 
succeeded  m  escaping  from  the  enemy's  ships,  and  reaching 
Savannah.  Here  he  found  his  prize;  lieutenant  Nicholson 
havmg  brought  her  in,  after  beating  off  a  launch  well  manned 
and  armed,  which  had  been  despatched  from  the  frigates  tc 
overtake  hini.  ° 

Captain  Blakely,  of  the  new  sloop  of  war  the  Wasp,  sai!c« 

from  1  ortsmouth  on  the  1st  of  May.     After  seizing  seven  mer 

Chan  men,  o„  the  6;h  of  July,  while  in  chascof  two  olher  vessels 

lie  fell  m  with  the  British  brig  of  war  Reindeer,  captain  Manner* 

and  immediately  altered  his  course,  and  hauled  by  the  wind 

in  chase  of  her.     At  fifteen  minutes  past  one  P.  M.,  he  pr.^pared 

lor  action;  but  it  was  two  hours  later,  m  consequence  of  theii 

mancEUvring  and  the  endeavours  of  the  Reindeer  to  escape,  ero 

he  approached  sufticiently  near  to  engage.     Several  guns  were 

fired  from  the  Wasp  before  her  antagonist  ccald  bring  her  guns 

to  bear ;  and  the  helm  of  the  latter  was  therefore  put  a-lee     At 

hall  past  three,  captain  Blakely  commenced  the  action  with  his 

after  carronades  on  the  starboard  side.     Shortly  afterwards,  the 

larboard  bow  of  the  Remdeer  being  in  contact  with  the  Wasn 

captain  Manners  gave  orders  to  board.     The  attempt  was  gal' 

antly  repulsed  by  the  crew  of  the  Wasp,  and  the  enemy  several 

times  beaten  off.     At  forty-four  minutes  past  three,  orders  were 

given  to  board  m  turn.     Throwing  themselves  with  prompti- 

tudo  upon  the  deck  of  the  enemy's  ship,  the  boarders  succeeded 

m  the  execution  of  their  orders  ;  and  at  forty-five  minutes  past 

hice,  her  flag  came  down.     She  was  almost  cut  to  pieces,  and 

lull  I  her  crew  were  either  killed  or  wounded.     The  loss  of  the 

VVasp  was  five  killed  and  twenty-one  wounded :   amon-   the 

latter,  midshipmen  Langdon  and  Toscan  ;  both  of  whom  expired 

some  days  after.     The  Reindeer  having  been  found  altogether 

unmanageable,  was  blown  up ;  and  captain  Blakely  steered  for 

L  Uncut,  to  provide  for  the  wounded  of  both  crews. 

A(|er  leaving  L'Oricnt,  and  capturing  two  valuable  British 
merchantmcnt,  captain  Blakely  fell  in  with  a  fleet  of  ten  sail 
under  convoy  of  the  Armada  seventy-four,  and  a  bomb-ship. 
He  stood  for  them,  and  succeeded  in  cutting  out  of  the  squad- 
ron  n^>v!g  ,adcn  with  brass  and  iron  cannon,  and  military  stores, 
from  Gioraltar.  After  taking  out  the  prisoners  and  setting  her 
on  hre,  he  endeavoured  to  cut  out  another,  but  was  chased  off  by 


1 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


221 


ks  the  Avon. 

li  liis  prize,  for 
the  captain  dis- 
on  of  lieutenant 
c  PeaCock  ;  and 
3r,  directed  her 
hip  the  captain 
i,  and  reacliing 
lant  Nicholson 
;h  well  manned 
the  frigates  tc 


le  Wasp,  sailes 
zing  seven  mer 
'o  other  vessels 
iptain  Manner! 
ri  by  the  wind , 
M.,  he  prispared 
luence  of  theii 
r  to  escape,  ere 
eral  guns  were 
bring  her  guns 
!  put  a-lee.    At 
action  with  his 
afterwards,  the 
ath  the  Wasp, 
tempt  was  gal- 
enemy  several 
ee,  orders  were 
with  prompti- 
ders  succeeded 
e  minutes  past 
to  pieces,  and 
rhe  loss  of  the 
:   among  the 
whom  expired 
Lind  altogether 
E?ly  steered  for 
ws. 

luable  British 
et  of  ten  sail, 
a  bomb-ship, 
of  the  squad- 
lilitary  stores, 
md  setting  her 
chased  off  by 


Mygterious  Logg  of  the  Wasp  . . . .  Cruise  of  the  PrcBident.  Peacock,  and  Hornet. 

-he  seventy.four.     In  the  evening,  at  half  past  six,  he  descried 
two  vessels,  one  on  his  starboard  and  one  on  his  larboard  bow, 
and  hauled  for  that  which  was  farthest  to  windward.  At  seven' 
she  wa§  discovered  to  be  a  brig  of  war,  making  signals  with 
nags  which  could  not  be  distinguished  owing  to  the  darkness, 
and  at  twenty-nine  minutes  past  nine  she  was  under  the  lee 
bow  of  the  Wasp.     An  action  soon  after  commenced,  which 
lasted   until   ten  o'clock,  when  captain  Blakely,  finding   his 
antagonist  to  have  ceased  firing,  paused  and  asked  if  lie  had 
surrendered.     No  answer  being  returned,  he  commenced  firing 
again ;  and  the  enemy  returned  broadside  for  broadside  for  twelve 
minutes.     Perceiving  that   his  two  last   broadsides  were  not 
returned,  he  hailed  again,  and  was  informed  that  she  was  sink- 
ing, and  that  her  colours  were  struck.    Before  the  boats  of  the 
Wasp  could  be  lowered,  a  second  brig  of  war  was  discovered : 
the  crew  were  instantly  sent  to  their  quarters,  and  preparations 
made  lor  another  engagement,  when  two  other  brigs  appeared. 
He  now  made  sail,  and  endeavoured  to  draw  the  bri<r  first  dis- 
covered  afler  him,  but  without  elTect.     The  name  of  the  prize 
was  subsequently  discovered  to  have  been  the  Avon,  captain 
Arbuthnot ;  of  the  same  force  as  the  Reindeer.    She  sunk;  im- 
mediately afler  the  last  man  had  been  taken  out  of  her  into 
one  of  the  vessels  which  had  come  in  sight.     She  had  ei<^ht 
killed,  and  thirty-one  wounded,  including  her  captain  and  seve- 
ral other  officers. 

The  Wasp  soon  repaired  the  damages  received  in  this  en- 
gagement, and  continued  her  cruise.  On  the  21st  of  Septem- 
ber, sh^  captured,  off  the  Madeiras,  her  thirteenth  prize,  the 
British  brig  Atalanta,  of  eight  guns,  and  the  only  one  which 
she  sent  into  port.  The  return  of  this  vessel,  afler  her  brilliant 
cruise,  was  for  a  long  time  fondly,  but  unavailingly,  looked  for 
by  our  country.  There  is  little  doubt  that  the  brave  commander 
and  his  gallant  crew  found  a  common  grave  in  the  waves  of  the 
ocean:  they  will  always  live  in  the  gratitude  and  recollection 
ot  their  country. 

The  blockade  of  commodore  Decatur's  squadron  at  New 
London  having  been  maintained  until  afler  the  season  had 
passed  in  which  there  existed  any  prospect  of  escape,  the  ships 
ot  which  It  was  composed  were  ordered  up  the  river  and  dis- 
mantled, while  the  commodore,  with  his  crew,  was  transferred 
to  the  frigate  President,  then  at  New  York.  A  cruise  was 
projected  for  a  squadron  to  consist  of  the  President,  the  sI-dods 
01  war  Peacock  and  Hornet,  and  the  Tom  Bowline  store  ship, 
"ri.  u,  ,  ^ommand  of  commodore  Decatur.  As  the  enemy 
still  blockaded  New  York,  the  commodore  thought  it  safer  for 


I  t    ' 


I',  .li 
('  1 


922 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


J 


_Tlie  PregiUent  capturcj  by  a  Briiisli  Squadron. 


lo..nk  /  r  1       "''"^"''^  °"^  '.'"S'y  5  «nd  arter  ordering  the  other 
vcbscls  to  follow,  and  appouU.ng  a  place  of  rendezvous!  he  sailed 
In  consequence  of  the  negligence  of  the  pilot,  the  Prilden 
struc    upon  the  bar.  and  remained  there  thumping  for  twol^^ur" 

en^til-el'llost"  'S'"'  ""  'T^^^'.^-'^  J>-  t?im  for  saili  J 

cntuely  lost.      I  he  course  of  the  wind  prevcntincr  his  return 

,     in  o  port,  he  put  to  sea,  trusting  to  the  e/cellence  ol"  the    S 

raz?e     ?n'   ^r'',?^,.""^  P°.'"o»^^  Ungates,  and  the  Majestic 

the  f?,Vcmosr  C  P  \'"  ''''''°"^.  '^'^  ^"'"^'^  "P«"  ^im  •  and 
ttic  loicmosr   the  Lndymion,  geltuig  close  under  his  quarters 

commenced  firing.    The  commodore  determined  to  bar  up  and 

s  in  In  tK  \  ''°'""=  '"  ^'"''  ^'"^  "l^andoning  his  own 
enemv  'Ph'  ^'  ''"•*'  P'"'^''^"'"'  "^^  "^«  manceuvring  of  the 
enemy.  I  he  engagement  was  protracted  for  two  hours  and 
ended  m  reducmg  theEndymion  ilmost  to  a  wreck%„d  killing 
or  woundmg  a  large  proportion  of  her  crew.     The  Pres  2 

was  also  considerably  damaged   and  lost  tw^nt^  fll  • 

t-ii\^A  „^  >  1    1    "^  ""'""o*'^i  '*"a  losi  twenty-nve  men  in 

k  lied  and  wounded  :  among  the  former,  lieutenants  Babbit  and 
Hamilton,  and  acting  lieutenant  Howell;  among  the  latter,  r^id. 
sh  pman  bale,  who  aflerwards  died,  and  the  com°modore  himTelf 
The  squadron  was  now  fast  approaching,  and  tlie  galLntTom 
modore.  unwilling  to  sacrifice  the  lives  of  his  menfn  a  us^leTs 
con  est,  on  receiving  the  fire  of  the  nearest  frigate,  surrendlS 
He  was  taken  on  board  the  Endymion,  for  the°purpose  of" ac  in. 
the  miserable  farce  of  surrendering  hi;  sword  lo  the  officer  of  f 
fi-igate  winch  would  have  fallen  into  his  hands,  bu    for  the 
'  En'f  nd    '"  r:'''"^''"^'"S  force.     The  President  was  sent 
to  England;  and  in  order  to  satisfy  the  good  people  thei-e  tha 
she  was  a  scventy-ibur  in  disguise,  she  was  licditened  and   afd 
m  dock  alongside  of  an  old  seventyfour,  which  Had  l^'erdmS 
ibhed  to  appearance  by  being  deeply  laden. 

iVot  the  least  among  tl,e  exploits  of  our  naval  heroes  was 

he  capture  of  two  of  the  enem'y's  ships  of  war  by  the  C  Ji 

tution    captain  Stewart.     Having  sai£d  from  Boston    on  the 

20  Lr  >^f' ""^"''.i?'-^'  °"  ^^™ise,  he  discovered    on  the 

^hoC.   '.f ''"^ry  1815,  two  ships;  one  of  which  bo  e  up  for 

tJnT'rTr'  ^"-  """^  ''^''  ^''"''"°«'l  ^''  '^^"'•se  to  joinder 
con.ort.  I  he  CV>nstitut.on  gave  chase  to  both,  and  at  six  P  M 
ranged  ahead  o  the  sternmost,  brou,ht  her  on  the  quaver  "and 
her  consort  on  the  bow,  and  opened  a  broadside.  Th^fire  was 
mmediately  returned;  and  exchanges  of  broadsid..r..n'i,uS 
awav  thl  P'';^'''  enveloped  in^- smoke.  When  i7cie;ared 
away,  the  Constitution  finding   herself  abreast  of  the  iiead- 


lering  the  other 
vous,  he  sailed, 
the  President 
;  for  two  hours, 
•im  for  sailing 
ing  his  return 
3  of  the  vessel, 
insisting  of  the 
i  the  Majestic 
pen  him ;  and 
'  his  quarters 

0  bear  up  and 
'  by  boarding, 
'Hing  his  own 
uvring  of  the 
wo  hours,  and 
:k,and  killing 
fhe  President 
i^-five  men  in 
Its  Babbit  and 
he  latter,  mid. 
adore  himself. 

gallant  com- 
i  in  a  useless 
.  surrendered, 
lose  of  acting 
le  officer  of  a 

but  for  the 
ent  was  sent 
sle  there  that 
ned,  and  laid 

1  been  dimin- 

heroes,  was 
y  the  Consti- 
3ton,  on  the 
jred,  on  the 
I  bore  up  for 
3  to  join  her 
at  six  P.  M. 
quarter  and 
Phe  fire  was 
?s  oontinuefj 
n  it  cleared 

the  head* 


BATTLE  OF  THE  CONSTITUTION  WITH  THE  CYANE  AND  LEVANT." 
COMMODORE   STEWART. 


BOMBARDMENT  OF  FORT  M'HENRY MAJOR  ARMISTEAD. 

SCO  Page  271. 


i 


hII 


nmm 


I.. 


'B3 


SI 


sc 


ai 


fii 


ac 
in 

W( 

ce 

St 

wi 

sh 

of 

rit 

the 

to 

rec 

tra 


few 
the 
cor 
pla 
Bri 
a  U 
tha 
dov 
mei 
miri 
inte 
befc 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


229 


JlhiConMiiuUon^g^^  ^^^  ^^^^^ 


' 


ops,  lis   and  droppal  into  Ins  first  position.     'I'ho  sl.in 


most  shif ,  _. 

backed  topsails,  and  droppK 

?o  mo"';'!,  """^""^o-:^'''^-    The  Constitution^,ow  puiu  d  t^i 
10  mc,    and  coming  witlnn  a  hundred  yards,  gave  her  several 

^esutance,  m  uluch  she  suirercd  considerably,  she  struck  with 

were  only  lour  killed  and  eleven  \/ounded :  and  the  shin  ro 
ceived  but  a  very  trifling  injury.  On  the  10th  of  March  cantaTn 
wiXtL'orizf .'''  harbour  of  Praya,  in  the  islandofS  •  C 

he  Cyane,  and  though  closely  pursued,  had  the  good  fbS 

ec     -'^^d  in  th%"'?  ''^  ""f"'  ^'^'--     TheSamS 
t3     rl  P^ll'^g^^^e  harbour,  in  contempt  of  the  neu- 

tia  %  of  the  por  and  of  the  laws  of  nations.      ^ 

in^ntion  of'boaliC  ^^tj;;^^]^!^^^;^^^^;^ 
before  he  saw  his  crdera  executed  ;  and  her  lieutenantf  rwhom 


IK 


rti 


m 
1^ 


"•i: 


226 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


The  Hornot.  Captain  Biddle,  npturei  the  Perifuln. 


the  commond  of  the  Penguin  then  devolved,  bore  her  up,  nnd 
running  lier  bowsprit  between  the  main  nnd  niizzcn  rigging  of 
the  Hornet,  directed  his  crew  to  board.     His  men,  however, 
perceiving  the  boarders  of  tlie  Hornet  not  only  ready  to  receive 
them,  but  waiting  (or  orders  to  spring  on  the  Penguin's  deck, 
retuscd  to  Ibliow  liini.     At  this  moment  the  heavy  swell  of  the 
sea  lided  the  Hornet  aliend,  nnd  the  eneiuy's  bowsprit  carried 
away  lier  mizzen  shrouds  and  spanker  boom;  while  the  Penguin 
hung  upon    the  [lornet's  quarter  deck,  with  the  loss  of  her 
foremast  and  bowsprit.     Her  commander  then  cried  out  that 
he  surrendered.     Captain  Biddle  had  ordered  his  men  to  cease 
firing,  when  a  man  in  the  enemy's   shrouds  was  discovered 
takmg  aim  at  him,  by  an  officer  of  the  FJornef,  who  called  to  him 
to  avoid  the  fire.     Scarcely  had  he  changed  his  position,  when 
a  musket  ball  struck  him  in  the  neck,  and  wounded  him  severely. 
Two  marines  immediately  levelled  their  pieces  at  the  wretch, 
and  killed  iiim  before  he  brought  his  gun  from  his  shoulder. 
The  Penguin  had  by  that  time  got  clear  of  the  Hornet,  and  the 
latter  wore  round  to  give  the  enemy  a  broadside,  when  they  a 
second  time  cried  out  that  they  had  surrendered.     It  was  with 
the  greatest  difficulty  that  captain  Biddle  could   restrain   his 
crew  from  discharging  the  broadside,  so  exasperated  were  they 
at  the  conduct  of  the  enemy.     In  twenty-two  minutes  after  the 
commencement  of  the  action,  the  Penguin  was  taken  possession 
of  by  lieutenant  Mayo,  of  the  Hornet.     She  was  so  much 
mjured,  that  captain  Biddle  determined  on  taking  out  her  crew, 
and  scuttling  her.     He  afterwards  sent  off  his  prisoners  to  St.' 
Salvador,  by  the  Tom  Bowline ;  by  which  vessel,  and  the  Pea- 
cock, he  had  been   joined  on  the  25th  of  the  month.     The 
eneiTiy  lost  fourteen  in  killed,  and  had  twenty-eight  wounded  : 
the  Ilornet  one  killed,  and  eleven  wounded  ;  among  the  latter, 
her  lieutenant,  Conner,  dangerously. 

Captain  Biddle  was  compelled  to  part  from  the  Peacock  by 
the  appearance  of  a  British  ship  of  the  line,  and,  after  being 
closely  chased  for  several  days,  effected  his  escape  into  St. 
Salvador,  by  throwing  all  his  guns  but  one,  and  every  heavy 
article,  overboard.  The  news  of  peace  soon  after  arrived  there. 
The  capture  of  the  Cyane,  the  Levant,  and  the  Penguin  took 
place  before  the  expiration  of  the  time  specified  by  the  second 
article  of  the  treaty. 

The  exploits  of  the  privateers  continued  to  rival  tliose  of 
our  national  vessels.  In  one  instance  the  enemy  was  compelled 
to  pay  dnorly  for  his  disregard  nf  the  snnctuary  of  a  neutral 
port.  The  privateer  Armstrong  lay  at  anchor  in  the  harbour 
of  Fayal,  when  a  British  squadron,  consisting  of  the  Carnation, 


uln. 


re  her  up,  nnd 
Kzcn  rigging  of 
men,  however, 
eady  to  receive 
'enguin's  deck, 
vy  swell  of  the 
owsprit  curried 
lile  the  Penguin 
he  loss  of  her 
cried  out  that 
is  men  to  cease 
was  discovered 
lo  called  to  him 
position,  when 
d  him  severely, 
at  the  wretch, 
1  his  shoulder, 
lornet,  and  the 
;,  when  they  a 
.     It  was  with 
d   restrain   his 
ated  were  they 
inutes  after  the 
ken  possession 
was  so  much 
I  out  her  crew, 
irisoners  to  St. 
I,  and  the  Pea- 
month.     The 
ight  wounded  : 
ong  the  latter, 

le  Peacock  by 
id,  afler  being 
scape  into  St. 
d  every  heavy 
arrived  there. 
Penguin  took 
by  the  second 

rival  tliose  of 
rvas  compelled 
y  Oi  a  neutral 
n  the  harbour 
:he  Carnation, 


HISTORY  OF  TIIK  WAR.  227 

prepared  for  a  1  t  foSablo  "' /f"  ^'"?'"'"  ^^''^  "«- 
privateer  a  cablericncxihT^nf.h  "''' '  ?^  ""'^^^^''^d  the 
ol-  the  castle.  'Aon^tZ  1'  0'°''''""''  ^'"j,'"  P'^'°'  ^^ot 
supported  by  the  CauSnlVl    u    """"K  '^"'  »  ^^^'^^  "f'  boats, 

to  'event  t^b^^  escape  V^'prvmeer  A f'''?-'^  ^^•^°-' 
approached  a  second  time  to  M?«  n  ."  H  "'"'"'gl't  «he  boats 
and  manned  by  several  hund,^  ""'"''^^,f '"•^•vo  or  fourteen, 
come  alongside  of  the  'iv^ft.  T'  J^''"^  ^^^''^  '^^^^'^^  '« 
such  tremendous  fuy  tCin  for.v  '"  "j"^  '''"'  "^^'^''^''  ^''^ 
them  was  left  alfve  ^DuHn  "  h^  ^h '","''^r'"'^"'>'  ^  '"«"  °f 
with  the  inhabitants  wZiomtK 'T'^-'!'^"  "^^-"^^  ^^^'•^''■"ed 
had  a  full  vWoTlhe  sc^ic      Th^^  °^ '^«  •"°°"' 

people  of  the  place  sfood  hv  n'n/  g^^^'-r'"'  «"h  the  first 
the  second  attack  t'ho  1.^  '"'"  '^"^  '''^°'«  ''^''''''  After 
of  the  PI  ntLtn^t  capTaIn Tiov'r'  '  "°''- '°  '^«  ^omnmnder 

captain  Reid,,hinking  ituseless  to  nrotr?.^  .h  ''^PP^^'-^^^e. 
his  vessel  and  escapfd  to  land  Th  R  •  ■^tT'"'"'' '^""'^** 
to  the  astonishing  number  of  t     J  ^^^.^""^h  loss  amounted 

and  one  hundred^Xh  t?  w^ndeT-'rhlt  ofti'^A^^  '"'^'' 
was  on  V  two  kilWl   «^a        "'""""^a-  mat  oj  the  Americans 

the  lown^were  de  trovpH    'T"  ''■°"".^^^-     ^^^^^^^  houses  in 
own  were  destroyed,  and  some  of  the  inhabitants  hurt. 


"    i   ,       >'l 


*      m   * 


228 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Plan  of  Campaign  on  the  Canada  Frontier. 


CHAPTER  XVII. 


B.^!V^^'""'"*'^"  °"  "'^  ^''"'"'''  Frontier-General  Brown  collects  an  Armv«t 
Bck  Rock  and  Buffalo-Captures  Port  Erie-Battle  of  CMppewa-S^^^^ 
Jor  Jesnp-Bnt.sh  retreat-American  Army  advances-Death  of  General  Swift- 
Movement  on  Fort  George-General  Brown  retreats  to  the  Chinpewa-Battle  o^  V? 

sTVrS  c'  """"  T"  ^--— <^°'-«'  Jesup-Colonel^Mmer-  .  wi  t5: 
rp,r  /  ^  "  •=•'«'««'"■?"-  andtaken-Desperate  Efforts  of  the  Brilishfo 
Son  Both  A  """"''"'"f  ''°"  ""•*  Brown  wounded-British  recove  he  ^ 
Mornin       A  '  retire  from  the  Field-British  advance  again  the  following 

.^nTi^r        rr"'"'"'  '"  F""  Erie-Defences  of  Fort  Erie  enlarged  and  ex 
tended-Siegeof  Fort  Erie-Projected  Attack  on  Buffalo  repulscd-General  Gaines 
assumes  the  Command  at  For,  Erie-A.sault  on  Port  Erie-Death  of  Colon  ,0,^ 
mond-Tremendous  Explosion-The  Besiegers  driven  back  to  their  Work  -Ren  w" 
of  the  Cannonade-Sortie  from  Fort  Erie-Destruction  of  the  Enemy's  Works-BrI 
ushra,se  the  Siege  and  retreat  to  Fort  George-Arrival  of  Gene^aVi  at  Fo 
Ene-Amer.cans  advance  along  the  Niagara-Engagement  at  Lyon's  Creek-De 
.ruct.on  of  Fort  Erie  by  the  Americans-Evacuation  of  Upper  Canada-Ciose  of 
w!j  'r  ^""'""•'"  "f  Canada-Important  Results  of  the  Campaign-Affairs  o   the 
West-Cnsuccessful  Expedition  against  Michilimackinac-Capture  of  two  Ameri  an 
Schooners-General  M'Arthur's  Expedition  into  Canada.  American 

From  reviewing  the  events  of  the  war  on  the  ocean,  we  re- 
turn  to  the  war  on  tHfe  northern  frontier.     Not  to  be  without  a 
plan  of  campaign,  although  experience  had  already  shown  how 
small  a  portion  of  plans  formed  in  the  cabinet,  and  dependine 
upon  so  many  contingencies   not   susceptible  of  calculation 
could  be  carried  into  execution,  the  following  was   adopted. 
Colonel  Croghan,  with  the  assistance  of  commodore  Sinclair 
was  to  proceed  against  the  British  on  the  upper  lakes,  with  a 
view  of  recovering  the  American  posts  of  Michilimackinac  and 
tot.  Joseph.     An  army,  under  general  Brown,  now  rais.^d  to  (he 
rank  of  major-general,  was  to  cross  the  Niagara  and  take  posses- 
sion  of  Burlington  Heights ;  and  afterwards,  in  conjunction  with 
commodore  Chauncey,  to  attack  the  British  posts  on  the  penin- 
sula.     trcncral  Izard,  commanding  the  Northern  Army,  was  to 
push  a  number  of  armed  boats  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  so  as  to 
commanc!  the  Kapids,  and  cut  off  tiie  coiimuinication  between 
Montreal  and  Kingston.     Batteries  were  also  to  be  thrown  up  for 
the  purpose  of  protecting  the  American  fleet  on  Lake  Cham- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


229 


collects  an  Army  at 
■a— Gallantry  of  Ma- 

of  General  Swift— 
ipewa— Battle  of  \i. 
Miller—"  I  will  try, 
rts  of  the  British  to 
iritish  recover  their 
again  the  following 
ie  enlarged  and  ex. 
cd— General  Gaines 
th  of  Colonel  Drum- 
ir  Works— Renewal 
lemy's  Works— Bri. 
neral  Izard  at  Fort 
Lyon's  Creek— De- 

Canada— Close  of 
ign— Affairs  of  the 
reof  two  American 


ocean,  we  re- 
3  be  without  a 
iy  shown  how 
ind  depending 
f  calculation, 
was   adopted, 
lore  Sinclair, 
lakes,  with  a 
nackinac  and 
'  raised  to  the 
d  take  posscs- 
ijur.ction  with 
on  the  penin- 
!\rmy,  was  to 
ince,  so  as  to 
tion  between 
hrown  up  for 
Lake  Cham- 


g!!!![g!j[2Z!L^gl!g!!i!^ii"y^:::^. captures  Fort  Erie. 

plain,  and  to  prevent  that  of  th^M^  from  en^^g  it.  The 
greater  part  of  these  arrangements  were  controlled  by  unfore- 
seen  circumstances.  ■'  "'"""^ 

The  spring  passed  away  before  general  Brown  was  in  a 
situation  to  attempt  any  thing  against  the  British  posts  on"he 
opposite  side  of  the  river;  even  Fort  Niagara,  on  this  side  stm 
remamed  m  their  hands.     He  had,  however,  been  asskluous  y 
occupied,  with  his  gallant  officers  general  Scott  and  general 
ho!;i'^r  Rl'°^'n'"!  ""^  li^lP''^^"!  -  force  in  the  nei|hbou?- 
h^^lnn     h    ^"'^^^"^  ^"^^^'°-     By  the  beginning  of  July, 
this  consisted  of  two  brigades  of  regulars,  the  first  commanded 
by  brigadier.general  Scott,  and  the  second  by  brigadier-general 
Ripley ;  and  a  brigade  of  volunteers,  with  a  kv^  Indiansfunder 
generals  Porter  and  Swift.     In  the  meantime,  the  force  of  the 
enemy,  under  lieutenant-general  Drummond,  had  been  greatly 
mcreased,  by  the  addition  of  a  number  of  veteran  regiSs 

etbt/^::,'i^^£r  °^  ^-''''  ^-^^  ^^^^^^^  '^^  ^- 

The  first  step  to  be  taken,  with  a  view  to  any  future  opera- 

hons  against  Canada,  and  to  recover  the  possession  of  Fort 

Niagara,  was  the  capture  of  Fort  Erie;  for  if  the  Americans 

were  possessed  of  this  post,  it  was  supposed  that  the  enemy  wodd 

evacuate  the  Americtin  s  de  of  the  frontier,  and  besides,  that  this 

garrison  could  be  carried  with  more  ease  than  the  other,  from 

the  circumstance  of  an  attack  being  less  expected.     Fort  ErS 

CdrL  nn]™'  ^^'^'^"J^d  by  captain  Buck,  with  auout  one 

hundred  and  seven  y  men.     The  two  brigades  of  regulars,  in 

oHhraTo?  fr^-^J  Brown's  orders,  emba^rked  on  the^morn  ng 

mint    r     ,  M  "^^'     ?'"'''^'  ^"°"'  ^^^'h  the  first,  and  a  detach! 

ment  of  artillery  under  major  Hindman,  crossed  to  the  Canada 

shore,  about  a  mile  below  Fort  Erie,  and  general  Ripley,  with  the 

second  brigade,  at  about  the  same  distance  above ;  whii;  a  part^ 

Ir  n?M''  ^f  .  ^''iu'''  "'■"'"'^'^  °^"'"'  §«'  '"f^  the  woods  in  the 
rear  of  the  fort.  The  garrison,  being  taken  by  surprise,  and 
surrounded  before  the  movements  of  the  assailants  were  db- 
covered,  was  compelled  to  surrender  after  firing  a  few  shot 

w^rTi"''\P^'''f' '°u  ''^'  ^''''"  °^  'h«  fo^t'  «"d  the  prisoners 
were  marched  into  the  interior  of  New  York 

»  General  Brown  next  resolved  to  proceed  immediately  and 
attack  major-general  Riall,  who,  with  a  division  of  British 
regulars,  occupied  an  intrenched  camp  at  Chippewa;  "rrange- 

ments  navmrr  first  hoor   rmH'>  fns-  iV-  -i-'' r    l     "    ^     °  - 

fr.r  ,,..^f  .•  =;r~  ■"  ,  "^  ^°r  the  duicncc  of  ihe  lort,  and 
for  protecting  the  rear  «f  the  army. 

hr!^V^^  morning  of  the  4th,  general  Scott  advanced  with  his 
brigade  and  captain  Towson's  artillery  ;  and  was  followed  in 


is 


'■'n 

'  it 


u 


In 


i 


230 


BRACKEN  RIDGE'S 


Battle  of  Chippewa. 


he  course  of  the  day  by  general  Ripley,  and  the  field  and 
pa.k  artillery  under  major  Hindman,  together  with  general 
Porter  s  volunteers.  The  army  was  then  drawn  up  in  re-ular 
order  on  the  right  bank  of  Street's  creek,  within  t'vo  miles  of 
the  British  camp.  I„  approaching  to  this  post,  the  first  bri- 
gade  had  encountered  the  advance  corps  of  the  enemy,  which 
retreated,  afler  destroying  the  bridge  over  the  creek.  'Captain 
Lrooker,  who  had  been  directed  to  Hank  them  on  the  left,  had 

Ihnv!  TTT  ''"f 'u^  i^'  '^'"^'"  ^^  ""  P*^'"*  ««'"e  distance 
above  the  bridge,  and  had  come  up  with  the  enemy  while  the 
American  brigade  was  still  on  the  right  bank  of  the  creek.  The 
British  now  turned  upon  and  surrounded  him ;  but  he  defended 
himself  in  so  gallant  a  manner,  that  he  was  enabled  to  keen 
them  off,  until  captains  Hull  and  Harrison,  and  lieutenant  Ran- 
dolph,  with  a  small  party  of  men  who  had  been  hastily  thrown 
across  the  stream,  came  to  his  relief. 

u. Jn^   ''T^-  ''T''''"^'^  '"   ^'"^  P°''f'""   "nfil  the  next  day, 
UDon'thrll"/  '  "!?'"'"S'  ^'^^.B'-'^i^h  commenced  attacks 
upon  the  picket  guards  surrounding  it.     One  of  these  com- 
mande    by  captain  Treat,  was  suddfnly  fired  upon  bja  parTy 
and  rif  JT^JS  ^igh  grass ;  one  man  fell,  and  the  rear  broke 
and  retreated.     The  exertions  of  the  captain  to  rally  them  were 
mistaken  for  cowardice,  and  he  was  stripped  of  his  command 
Bemg  resolved  to  do  away  the  imputation',  he  requestero  et 
gage  in  the  approaching  battle  as  a  volunteer,  and  was  accord- 
ingy  directed  to  lead  a  platoon  of  the  same  company  which 
JnH  hi-''"'  ^r"^««ded  in  action.     He  was  afterwards  tried 
and  honourably  acquitted.     These  assaults  continued  through- 
out the  greater  part  of  the  day.     General  Riall,  perceiving  that 
an  engagement  was  unavoidable,  now  resolved  to  striki  the 
first  blow  J  hetWore  issued  from  his  encampment  with  his 
whole  force,  and  crossing  the  Chippewa  creek,  soon  appeared 
with  the  main  body  on  the  left  bank  of  Street's  creek      He  had 
{'heYcTft^of'tt"?  ^°"«'d^'-^We  body  of  troops  into  a  wood  on 
the  left  of  the  American  camp,  lor  the  purpose  of  turning  their 
n^r.    ,   .    r''   ""^''^"i^^t   in   the   wood  was   discovered   early 
enough  to  frustrate  it ;  and  general  Porter,  with  the  volum.es 
to  re   rf"wh f"  "  ^^-rp  conflict,  compelled  the  enemy's  righ 
to  retire.     W  h.lc  in  pursuit  of  it  on  the  Chippewa  road,  he  came 
suddenly  in  contact  with  the  main   body  of  the  British      The 
volunteers  u-ere  now  severely  pressed  by  troops  greatly  sune- 

Za  a        1  '^  ^"S'''^^  ""^  Towsorrs  artillery  to  advance,' 

and  draw  the  enemy  into  action  on  the  plains  of  Chippewa 
This  was  effected  immediately  on  crossing  tlie  bridge 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


331 


the  field  and 

with  general 

up  in  regular 

two  miles  of 

,  the  first  bri- 

enemy,  which 

3ek.     Captain 

n  the  left,  had 

some  distance 

:my  while  tho 

3  creek.     The 

It  he  defended 

ibled  to  keep 

jutenant  Ran- 

astily  thrown 

he  next  day, 
need  attacks 
f  these,  com- 
in  by  a  party 
le  rear  broke 
ly  them  were 
is  command, 
uested  to  en- 
was  accord, 
npany  which 
rwards  tried 
lied  through- 
rceiving  that 

0  strike  the 
lent  with  his 
ion  appeared 
;k.     He  had 

1  a  wood  on 
urning  their 
vercd  early 
e  voluntf^ers 
lemy's  right 
ad,  he  came 
"itish.  The 
reatly  supe- 

,  perceiving 
to  advance, 
"  Chippewa 


BattlejDf^Chippewa^ Gallantry  of  Major  Jesup. 


The  first  battalion  under  major  Leavenworth,  took  a  position 
on  the  right;  and  the  second  was  led  to  its  station  by  colonel 
Campbell,  who,  on  being  wounded  shortly  afterwards,  was 
succeeded  by  major  M'Neill.  Major  Jesup,  a  gallant  ;oung 
officer,  who  commanded  the  third  battalion,  which  was  formed 
T  Irf/'n"'-"?  '?  ^  ''°°^'  '''^"  «''^^'-«=d  to  turn  the  right 
fZ  xvu-,^f'^''^'  ^^"  ''"^^''y  '-advancing  upon  the  American 
line.  Whilst  warmly  engaged  in  this  service,  he  was  com- 
polled  to  detach  captain  Ketchum,  to  attack  some  troops 
coming  up  to  the  assistance  of  the  body  with  which  the  third 

mrproTh'  'TFi\.^^^  "1^J°'-'  h^^'"g  cleared  his  front, 
moved  to  the  relief  of  his  captain,  who  had  maintained  an  un- 
equal  contest  against  superior  n'mibers.     He  had  not  accom- 
plished  this  unti   after  a  severe  struggle :  being  closely  pressed 
in  front  and  flank,  and  his  men  falling  in  numbers  around  him, 
he  had  deliberately  given  orders  toadvance,  under  a  dreadful  fire  • 
until,  gaming  a  position  of  more  security,  he  compelled  the 
enemy  to  retire,  and  came  up  in  time  to  co-operate  with  captain 
Ketchum  s  detachment.     The  admirable  coolness  and  intrepi- 
dity  of  his  corps  were  worthy  of  veterans,  and  proved  the  great 
progress  the  Americans  had  made  in  discipline.     The  battalion 
on  the  American  right,  under  major  Leavenworth,  was  not  only 
engaged  with  the  British  infantry,  but  often  exposed  to  the  fire 
of  their  ^  3tter.es.     One  of  its  officers,  captain  Harrison,  had 
his  leg  shot  off  by  a  cannon  ball ;  but  so  doubtful  did  he  con. 
sider  the  contest,  that  he  would  not  suffer  a  man  to  be  taken 
from  his  duty  to  bear  him  from  the  field,  and  supported  the 
toiture  of  his  wound  until  the  action  ceased.     After  the  lapse 
of  an  hour  from  the  time  the  action  became  general,  captain 
lowson  having  completely  silenced  the  enemy's  most  power, 
ful  battery,  now  turned  upon  their  infantry  at  that  moment  ad- 
vancmg  to  a  charge.     The  fire  from  Towson's  artillery,  which 
poured  upon  them ;  the  oblique  discharges  of  a  part  of  M'Neill's 
battalion,  which  was  so  posted  as  to  assail  both  in  front  and 
flank  ;  the  steadiness  of  the  two  battalions ;  and  the  apparent 
issue  of  the  con L...  on  his  right  flank  with  major  Jesup  com. 
polled  general   Riall  to   retire,  until  he   reached  the   slonincr 
ground  which  led  to  Chippewa.     From  this  point  the  British 
fled  in  confusion  to  their  intrenchments,  which  were  too  stron- 
to  be  assailed.  ° 

In  this  engagement  general  Ripley's  brigade  was  not  con- 
corned,  lie  had  proposed  to  the  commander-in-chief,  at  the 
commencement  of  the  action,  to  take  a  position  to  the  left  of 
the  first  brigade,  and  passing  it,  to  turn  the  enemy's  right,  and 
prevent  his  retreat  to  Chippewa.     At  that  time  general  Brown 


.»fei 


4 


«fi! 


in 


Jn.  ... 


ft 

'h  si 


233 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


British  retreat  to  Ten  Mile  Creek  ■ American  Army  ndvances. 


declined  his  proposal ;  but  afterwards,  when  the  British  began 
to  retire,  he  directed  him  to  put  his  plan  in  execution.  The 
precipitation  of  their  movements  however  frustrated  it. 

The  result  of  this  first  regular  pitched  battle  furnished  convin- 
cing  proof,  that  nothing  but  discipline  was  wanting  '->  give  to  our 
soldiers  on  land  the  same  excellence  which  our  seamen  had 
tiiscovered  on  the  ocean.     The  battle  was  fought  with  great 
judgment  and  coolness  on  both  sides,  and  its  result,  considering 
the  numbers  engaged,  was  exceedingly  sanguinary.     The  loss 
of  the  Americans  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing,  amounted  to 
three  hundred  and  thirty-eight.     Among  the  wounded  were, 
colonel  Campbell ;  captains  King,  of  the  Twenty-third,  Read, 
of  the  Twenty-fifth,  Harrison,  of  the  Forty-second  ;  lieutenants 
Palmer  and  Bnmhall,  of  the  Ninth,  Barron,  of  the  Eleventh 
and  De  Wit  and  Patchim,  of  the  Twenty-fifth.     The  total  loss 
of  the  British,  according  to  the  report  of  general  Drummond, 
vvft3  five  hundred  and  five,  of  whom  forty -six  were  missinr,  and 
the  remainder  either  killed  or  wounded.     Among  the  waunded 
were,  seven  captains,  seventeen  lieutenants,  captain  Holland  aid 
;c,  gvjneral  Riall,  lieutenant-colonel  the  marquis  of  Tweeddale 
and  lieutenants-colonel  Gordon  and  Dickson.     Few  occurren- 
ces  during  the  war  afforded  a  more  lively  gratification  to  the 
people.      The    most   honourable  testimonials  of  approbation 
were    bestowed   upon   the   principal   oflicers   concerned:   the 
brevet  rank  of  lieutenant-colonel  was  conferred  unon  majors 
J«;sup,  Leavenworth  and  M'Neill ;  and  of  major  on  captains 
lowson,  Crooker  and  Harrison.     Several  other  officers  were 
named  as  Jiaving  distinguished  themselves :  among  these,  major 
Wov,d  of  the  engineers,  captain  Harris  of  the  dragoons,  and 
lieutenant  M'Donald,  acquitted  themselves  with  much  credit. 
.    The  defeat  of  Riall  having  been  communicated  to  lieutenant 
general  Drummond,  he  sent  a  regiment  to  reinforce  him,  and 
suable  him  to   repel   any  attack  upon   his  works.     General 
Brown  meanwhile  remained  at  his  encampment,  determined  to 
dislodge  the  British.     As  the  most  effectual  mode,  he  detached 
general  Ripley,  on  the  8th  of  the  month,  to  a  point  three  miles 
above  the   enemy's   camp,  to   open  a  road  to  the  Chippewa 
nver,  and  to  construct  a  bridge  over  it  for  the  passage  of  the 
troops.     This  order  was  executed  with  so  much  secrecy,  thai 
the  bridgri  was  nearly  completed  before  it  was  discovered  by 
(he  enemy.     General  Riall  now  ordered  his  artillery  to  advance 
and  prevent  the  Americans  from  completing  their  works :  but 
Uie  cannon  of  general  Ripley  compelled  the  British  to  retire. 
Fearing  an  attack  on  his   right  flank   and  in  front,  general 
Riall  soon  after  abandoned  his  works,  which  were  occupied  by 


HISTOUY  OF  THE  WAR. 


\rmy  advances. 

le  British  began 
ixecution.  The 
•ated  it. 

irnishedconvin- 
ng  '"^givc  to  our 
ur  seamen  had 
ught  with  groat 
suit,  considering 
lary.  The  loss 
ig,  amounted  to 
wounded  were, 
ity-third,  Read, 
nd ;  'ieutenants 
'  the  Eleventh, 

The  total  loss 
al  Drummond, 
re  missing,  and 
Ig  the  wounded 
iin  Holland  aid 
!  of  Tweeddale 
Few  occurren- 
ification  to  the 
of  approbation 
oncerned :   the 
i  upon  majors 
5r  on  captains 
r  officers  were 
Ig  these,  major 
dragoons,  and 
nuch  credit, 
d  to  lieutenant 
brce  him,  and 
rks.     General 

determined  to 
e,  he  detached 
int  three  miles 
the  Chippewa 
)assage  of  the 
I  secrecy,  thai 
discovered  by 
;ry  to  advance 
ir  works :  but 
itish  to  retire, 
front,  general 
G  occupied  by 


233 


On  the  (ollowmg  day  he  retired  to  Ten  Mile  creek 

town      G"eneS"S'arhI'"=  '''''''''  ''""""P^'^  ''  Q"*^-- 

instantly  killed  the  assassin;  and  on  L  approach  oTa  pSrS 
Brownl      "''  Niagara  and  George-was  submitt  d  by  genera 

^Sr;trr^::rR;j^s™:r?££ 

ordered  to  reconnoitre  the  ibrts-the  one^aLg  the  N^ara 

taming  their  respective  situations  and  obtaining  other  informs 
tion  necessary  for  the  attack.     This  service  thev  succ"5X 
performed,  although  much  exposed  to  the  fir^  o  tL  g  r  ion  o^f 
thenc?  Tie  H  T''^'^  ""^  skirmishing  parties  seS  ou  f"om 
l!=  .i.  ^'i^i^'^"'''°"'^^«'''^«s  abandoned,  in  consequence  as 
was  alleged  by  general  Brown,  of  the  fai  ure  of  the  flS?^ 
co-operate  with  him,  commodore  Chauncev  S.e  at  thf.  L 
extremely   li.    The  general  therefore,  with  Jrawbl  from  he  ad 
vanced  position  to  which  he  had  moved  on  the  Nia|ra  a^d  Lakt 

SeSlTs'-'^T'l.'^  P"^^'^^  ^^^  «"''«h  a?m;  ?o   BurUn^on 

Heights    and  with  a  view  to  this,  on  the  24th  he  fell  back  to 

the  junction  of  the  Chippewa  with  the  Niagara. 

Lieutenant-general  Drummond,  mortified    that   his  veteran 

troops  should  have  been  beaten  by  what  he  consSerld  raw 
^rS     H^n  ""fT/°'  ""  opportunity  of  retrievfng  S 
York  an?thelk?h''''V''7  fP'"^"'  '''•«'"  Burlington  and  , 
from  £f  r!         ^-"^  ^'^'  ^^^  ^^"^  ^ble  to  transport  troops  ^ 

rom  tort  George,  Kingston  and  even  Prcscott.  General  Rial! 
took  post  at  Queenstown,  immediately  aflcr  it  was  abandoi  ed 
by  the  Americans  in  their  retreat  to  Chippewa;  thence  he  thiew 
a  strong  detachment  across  the  Niagara  to  LewLown  to 
threaten  the  town  of  Schlosser.  which  contained  tt  suppHes'  of 


m 


m 


msLti 


iU 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


1 


Battle  of  Niagara. 


general  Brown,  and  also  his  sick  and  wounded  ;  and  at  the  same 

Vv!f.,  f^f ''  r  S"''^- '"  ^^'""""  «^  ^'"^  «"  the  Niagara  road. 

\V.th   he  view  of  drawing  off  the  enemy  from  his  attempt  on 
he  village  across  the  river,  general  Brown,  having  no  means  of 
transporting  troops  to  its  defence,  directed   general    Scott  to 
.move  towards  Queenstown  with   his  brigade,  seven  hundred 
strong,  together  with  Towsou's  artillery  and  one  troop  of  dra- 
goons and  mounted  men.   At  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the 
~5th,  general  Scott  ed  his  brigade  from  the  cimp,  and  after  pro- 
ceedmg  along  the  Niagara  about  two  miles  and  a  half  fromTe 
Unppewa  and  witlun  a  short  distance  of  the  cataracts,  discover- 
ed  genera  Riall  on  an  eminence  near  Lundy's  Lane,  a  position 
of  great  strength,  where  he  had  planted  a  battery  of  nine  pieces 
of  artillery,  two  of  which  were  brass  twenty-four  pounders.  On 
reaching  a  narrow  strip  of  woods  which  intervened  between  the 
American  and  the  British  line,  captains  Harris  and  Pent?and! 

fired  onTi!""r  ^°™'^"  F"^'  "^  '^'  «^^^^"^^'  «"d  were  first 
fired  on,  gallantly  engaged  the  enemy.  The  latter  now  retreated 

arLund.Tr  n'""=  /^^  American  column  fo  the  post 

at  i.undy  s  Lane.  General  Scott  resolutely  pressed  forward, 
after  despatchmg  major  Jones  to  the  commander-in-chief  with 
intelligence  that  he  had  come  up  with  the  enemy.  He  had  no 
sooner  cleared  the  wood,  and  formed  in  line  o/a  plJn  findy 
adapted  to  military  manoeuvres,  than  a  tremendous  cannonade 
commenced  from  the  enemy's  battery,  situated  on  their  right! 
which  was  returned  by  captain  Towson,  whose  artillery  were 
posted  opposie,  and  on  the  left  of  the  American  line,  but  with 
out  being  able  to  bring  his  pieces  to  bear  on  the  eminence. 

Is  of  IT r"  ''"'V""'^  1°'  ""^r  ''°"'-'  ^g«^"^*  ^  ^'^rce  three  times 
thdt  of  the  American  brigade.  The  Eleventh  and  Twentv-second 
regiments  having  expended  their  ammunition,  colonel  Brady  and 

ne'aS  «n  ;f  °"'J  ^'^^'^  '"^"^  '^''^'  ^-'-^^X  woundedf  aSd 
nearly  all  the  other  officers  either  killed  or  wounded,  they  were 

V      an7a\'''".r'"^   ^""l-^"^"*  ^'•^^^^^d,  lieutenant  Saw! 

elves  to  the  N-°^'°^'r  ''''^°''  ^■^g™^"*^'  «"«^hed  them- 
selves  to  the  Ninth,  m  such  stations  as  were  assigned  them.  This 
regiment,  under  its  gallant  leader,  lieutenant-colonel Tkiven! 

Z    o2rT:Sf'''  -^  "r^^'"  '^«  ^'^^'^  brunt  of  tL  "- 
b2*hf       r  ^u   "f  ^"  g'^en  him  to  advance  and  charge  on  the 
height,  and  with  the  Eleventh  and  Twenty-second  regiments 
to  break  the  enemy's  line;  but,  on  information  being  c« 
nicated  to  general  Scott  of  the  shattered  condition  of  The  latTer, 
the  ordnr  was  countermanded.      Colonel  Jcsup,  at  the  com 
mencement  of  the  action,  had  been  detached,  wit^h  the  Twenty 
fifth  regiment,  to  attack  the  left  of  the  enemy's  line.  ^ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


236 


id  at  the  same 
Niagara  road. 
s  attempt  on 
[  no  means  of 
;ral  Scott  to 
ven  hundred 
troop  of  dra- 
ernoon  of  the 
nd  p.fler  pro- 
half  from  the 
cts,  discover- 
le,  a  position 
>f  nine  pieces 
ounders.  On 

between  the 
id  Pentland, 
id  were  firs, 
ow  retreated 

to  the  post 
5cd  forward, 
ti-chief  with 

He  had  no 

plain  finely 
3  cannonade 

their  right, 
tillery  were 
e,  but  with- 
)  eminence. 
;  three  times 
^nty-second 
1  Brady  and 
unded,  and 
I,  they  were 
enant  Saw- 
ched  them, 
them.  This 
el  Leaven- 

of  the  ac- 
arge  on  the 

regiments 
ig  commu- 
'  the  latter, 
'■  the  com- 
e  Twenty 


Battle  of  Niagara  . 


•  General  Riall  taken  Prisoner. 


iJ 


The  British  riow  pressed  forward  on  the  Ninth  regiment  which 
with  wonderful  firmness  withstood  the  attack  of  The"r  over- 
whelming  numbers.  Being  reduced  at  length  to  not  m^^e  than 
one  half  and  being  compelled  at  every  moment  to  resist  fresh 

gertol  n:rarStt't"'  Leavenwo/th  despatched  Tlsslt 
ger  to  general  bcott,  to  communicate  its  condition.     The  sen 
ei-al  rode  up  m  person,  roused  the  flagging  spirits  of  the  brave 
men  with  the  pleasing  intelligence  that  reinforcements  were  ex!  > 
pectcd  every  moment,  and  besought  them  to  hold  theirTround 
Lieutenant    Riddle,  already  welf  known  as  a  recoTnoSt 

drawn  to  he  place  by  the  sound  of  the  cannon,  whUe  on  a  scour 
ing  expedition  in  the  neighbouring  country.    The    ame  drcum 
s^nce  advised  general  Brown  of=Jhe  commencemenrofTe  a^-' 
tion,  and  induced  him  to  proceed  rapidly  to  the  scene  after  ^11,^ 
orders  to  general  Ripley  to  follow  fvith^he  secoTd  bHgal^^ 
was  already  on  his  way  when  he  met  major  Jones,  and    „flu 
enced  by  his  communication,  he  despatched  him  to  brinfuD 
general  Porter's  vdunteers,  together  Ivith  the  artillery.  ^    ^ 

moTe  cSS°"  ITfu  ^T^""'''  ''''y  •-^"^^"t  becoming 
more  critical.     Misled  by  the  obstinacy  of  their   resistance 

general  Riall  overrated  their  force,-  and  despatched  a  mtsen: 
ger  to  general  Drummond,  at  Fort  George,  for  reinforcements 
notwithstanding  that  the  number  engaged  on  his  Se.   hTs  ?a  ' 
trlnH^fK  rfjh^"'^^"!^'^  that  of  the  Americans.     During  the 

ffrl  r^''' r"'"'"'"  \'''  ^^^^''"g  «^r  reinforcements,  a  vdun! 
tary  cessation  from  combat  ensued,-  and  for  a  time  no  sound 
broke  upon  the  stillness  of  the  night,  but  the  gmans  of  the 

S™  '  Th''"f  "'^'^  ^^^  clistant'thunder  of  th'e  cataract  of 
IMagara.  Ihe  silence  was  once  more  interrupted,  and  the  en- 
gagement  renewed  with  augmented  vigour,  on  the  arrival  of 
genera  Ripley's  brigade,  major  Hindman's  Artillery,  and  gene- 
ra Porter's  volunteers,  and  at  the  same  time  of  lieufenant-Sne- 
ral  Drummond  with  reinforcements  to  the  British.     The  S 

Sn""porr'si°-^7""'%'?^^f  ^'"^"^'  -d  soon  Lmetto 
fnr^  ^'  .1  1  ^"^''^*'  "'^"^  displayed  on  the  left,  and  Ripley's 
formed  on  the  skirts  of  the  wood,  t/the  right  of  Scott's  briCde 

i?nTorl^''"'"'"°"'^- V"^'^  '^'  ^^'"'"^"d  in  person  o"  the  froni 
hne  of  the  enemy  with  his  fresh  troops. 

been  orS"atTh  '°'°"''  "^"'"P'  ^^""^  ^^  ^'^'''  "^^^^i^^^^'  ^^^ 
nn  .^  ^^^''If^  ^}  *h«  commencement  of  the  action,  to  take  post 
on  the  right,  had  succeeded  during  thenn^ac.em<>P^  'Xr^T.R 
contest  in  turning  the  left  flank  of  the  eneVy!  Taki;g;d;!l^^^ 

Tn  omitSr  :i°a  '''  "^'''  ^"'  ?^  oarelLsnessoFthe  entm'; 
m  omitting  to  place  a  proper  guard  across  a  road  on  his  left,  he 


.•fci 


':!' 


ii 


4  ' 


236 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


If'   ■'''■■■'" 


Battle  of  Niagara  ■ .  ■ ,  Cobnel  Je»up  ■  ■ .  ■  Colonel  Miller-"  I  will  try,  eir." 


threw  bis  regiment  in  the  rear  of  their  reserve ;  and  surprising 
one  detachment  after  another,  made  prisoners  of  so  many  of 
their  officers  and  men,  that  his  progress  was  greatly  impeded 
by  It.     Ihe  laws  of  war  would  have  justified  him  in  puttin<T 
them  to  death  ;  "  but  the  laurel,  in  his  opinion,  was  most  glo"^ 
nous  when  entwined  by  the  hand  of  mercy,"  and  he  generously 
spared  them.     One  of  his  officers,  captain  Ketchum,  who  had 
already  distinguished  himself  at  the  battle  of  Chippewa,  had 
the  good  fortune  to  make  prisoner  of  general  Riall,  who,  on  the 
arrival  of  general  Drummond,  had  been  assigned  to  the  com- 
mand  of  the  reserve,  and  also  of  captain  Loring,  the  aid  of 
general  Drummond.     The  latter  was  a  most  fortunate  circum- 
stance,  as  it  prevented  the  concentration  of  the  British  forces 
contemplated  by  that  officer,  before  the  Americans  were  pre- 
pared for  his  reception.   After  hastily  disposing  of  his  prisoners 
colonel  Jesup  felt  his  way  through  the  darkness  to  the  place 
where  the  hottest  fire  was  kept  up  on  the  brigade  to  which  he 
belonged  ;  and  drawing  up  his  regiment  behind  a  fence,  on  one 
side  of  the  Queenstown  road,  but  in  the  rear  of  a  party  of  Bri- 
tish mfantry,  posted  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  same  road,  he 
surprised  them  by  a  fire  so  destructive,  that  they  instantly  broke 
and  fled.     "  The  major,"  said  general  Brown,  "  showed  him- 
self to  his  own  army  in  a  blaze  of  fire."    He  received  the  ap- 
plause of  the  general,  and  was  ordered  to  form  on  the  right  of 
the  second  brigade. 

General  Ripley,  seeing  the  impracticability  of  operating  upon 
the  enemy  from  the  place  at  which  he  had  been  ordered  to  post 
.  his  brigade,  or  of  advancing  from  it  in  line  through  a  thick 
wood,  in  the  impenetrable  darkness  of  the  night,  determined, 
with  that  rapid  decision  which  characterizes  the  real  commander 
to  adopt  the  only  measure  by  which  he  saw  a  hope  of  saving 
the  first  brigade  from  destruction,  or  of  ultimately  achieving  the 
victory  ;  and  which,  when  made  known  to  the  commander-in- 
chief,  was  instantly  sanctioned.    The  eminence  occupied  by  the 
enemy  s  artillery  was  the  key  to  their  position.     Addressing 
hiniself  to  colonel  Miller,  the  same  who  had  distinguished  him- 
self at  Magagua,  he  inquired  whether  he  could  storm  the  battery 
at  the  head  of  the  Twenty-first  regiment,  while  he  would  himself 
support  him  with  the  younger  regiment,  the  Twenty-third.    To 
this  the  wary,  but  intrepid  veteran  replied,  in  unaffected  phrase, 
I  WILL  THY,  SIR  ;  words,  which  were  afterwards  worn  on  the 
buttons  of  his   regiment;    and  immediately  prepared  for  the 
arduous  effort,  hy  placing  himself  directly  m  Hont  -'f  the  hill. 
The  Twenty-third  was  formed  in  close  column,  by  its  com- 
mander, major  M'Farland  ;  and  the  First  regiment,  under  co- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


237 


will  try,  »ir." 

and  surprising 
r  so  many  of 
catly  impeded 
lim  in  putting 
vas  most  glo- 
be generously 
lum,  who  had 
Chippewa,  had 
II,  who,  on  the 
I  to  the  com- 
ig,  the  aid  of 
unate  circum- 
British  forces 
ms  were  pre- 
his  prisoners, 
to  the  place 
I  to  which  he 
fence,  on  one 
party  of  Bri- 
ame  road,  he 
istantly  broke 
showed  him- 
eived  the  ap- 
1  the  right  of 

)erating  upon 
rdered  to  post 
5Ugh  a  thick 
,  determined, 
I  commander, 
)pe  of  saving 
achieving  the 
mmander-in- 
:upied  by  the 
Addressing 
guished  him- 
n  the  battery 
'ould  himself 
y-third.    To 
;cted  phrase, 
ivorn  on  the 
a  red  for  the 
:  of  the  hill, 
by  its  com- 
it,  under  co- 


Battle  of  Niagara BritUh  Cannon  charged  upon  and  taken. 

lonel  Nicholas,  which  had  ^at  day  arH^d  from  al^iiT^ 
fatiguing  march,  was  left  to  keep  the  infantry  in  check.  °The 
two  regiments  moved  on  to  one  of  the  most  perilous  charges 
ever  attempted ;  the  whole  of  the  artillery,  supported  by  ^he 
lire  of  a  powerful  line  of  infantry,  pouring  upon  them  as  they 
advanced    1  he  Twenty-first  moved  on  steadily  to  its  purpose : 
the  Twenty-third  faltered  on  receiving  the  deadly  fire  of  the 
enemy,  but  was  soon  rallied  by  the  personal  exertions  of  gen- 
eral  Ripley.     When  withii,  a  hundred  yards  of  the  summit, 
they  received   another    dreadful   discharge,    by  which    majo^ 
M  l-arland  was  killed,  and  the  command  of  his  regiment  de- 
volved  on  major  Brooks.     To  the  amazement  of  the  British, 
the  intrepid  Miller  firmly  advanced,  until  within  a  few  paces 
of  their  cannon,  when  he  impetuously  charged  upon  the  artille- 
rists,  and  after  a  short  but  desperate  resistance,  carried  the  whole 
battery,  and  formed  his  line  in  its  rear,  upon  the  ground  pre- 
viously  occupied   by    the  British  infantry.     In  carrying  the 
largest  pieces,  the  Twenty-first  suffered  severely:  lieutenant 
Ulley,  after  an  unexampled  effort,  fell  wounded  by  the  side 
ol  the  piece  which  he  took;  and  there  were  few  of  the  officers 
ol  this  regiment  who -were  not  either  killed  or  wounded.     Bv 
he  united  efforts  of  these  two  regiments,  and  the  bringing  into 
ine  of   he  First,  the  fate  of  this  bold  assault  was  determined: 
the  British  infantry  were  in  a  short  time  driven  down  the  emi- 

nence,  out  of  the  reach  of  musquetry,  and  their  own  cannon  turned 
upon  them.  This  admirable  effort  completely  chane-d  the 
nature  of  the  battle  :  every  subsequent  movement  was  directed  to 
this  point,  as  I'oon  the  ability  to  maintain  it  the  result  of  the  con- 
flict  entirely  depended.  Major  Hindman  was  now  ordered  to 
bring  up  his  corps,  including  captain  Towson's  detachment, 
and  post  hinise  f,  with  his  own  and  the  captured  cannon,  to 
the  right  of  Ripley's  brigade,  and  between  it  and  the  Twenty- 
hi  h,  Jesup  s,  regiment,  while  the  volunteers  of  general  Portei 
retained  their  position  on  the  left  of  Scott's  brigade. 

Stung  with  rage  and  mortification  at  this  most  extraordinary 
and  successful  exploit  of  the  Americans,  general  Drummond,  the 
British  commander,  now  considered  it  absolutely  essential  to  the 
credit  of  the  British  army,  and  to  avoid  insupportable  disgrace, 
that  the  cannon  and  the  eminence  on  which  they  were  captured 
should  be  retaken  Having  been  greatly  reinforced,  he  advanced 
upon  Ripley,  with  a  heavy  and  extended  line,  outflanking  him 
on  both  extremes.  The  Americans  stood  silently  awaitiSg  his 
approach,  which  could  only  be  discovered  by  the  sound  attend- 
ing  It,  reserving  their  fire,  in  obedience  to  orders,  until  it  could 
be  effective  and  deadly.   The  whole  division  of  the  British  now 


r  1 1 

'/■I  I 


:H 


...,/ti 


■^}  flt 


m 


!*'■<!,„, 

t:^^ 


fi 


888 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


i'!l^li^nVia?«ra^.^D^^p^^  .^^  p,.,.,^  ,^  ,^^^,^  ^^^.^  ^^^^^^ 


tlie  height,  when  .t  poured  in  a  rapid  fire,  and  prepared  to  rush 
forward  w,th  the  bayonet.  The  American  line  being  di  ected  by 
U.e  f.re  of  he  enemy,  returned  it  with  deadly  ellbct.  The  enemy 
were  thereby  thrown  mto  momentary  confusion  ,•  but  being  ralS 
rnlr.       ZTf^  '°  ^''^  """^^-     ^  "^«^^  tremendous\onfl  c 

scribablo  tL  R  vT7  '"'""''^^  '?"'*""'^^  ^^'^^  ^'^'^"^-^  -de . 
scnbablc.     The  Rntish  hne  was  at  last  compelled  to  yield,  and 

o  ret.re  down    he  hill.     In  this  struggle  general  PoS  vo- 

lunteors  emulated  the  conduct  of  the^regulars.     The  ga  Ian 

rZ  N^^V^J'"  ^'«""^y'^--"i^  corps,'and  colonel  D^obWn 
of   he  New  York,  gave  examples  of  unshaken  intrepidity. 

It  was  not  supposed,  however,  that  this  would  be  tlie  last 
effort  of  the  Bntish  general;  general  Ripley  therefore  lad  the 
wounded  transported  to  the  rear,  and  instantly  restored  hfs  1  no 
to  order  General  Scott's  shattered  brigade  having  been  con! 
sohdated  mto  one  battalion,  had  during''  this  period  been  held 

ZT'""^  '"''■'"r  '^r  f '"^"^  brigade,°under  Lionel  Leavet! 
worth  ,  colonel  Liady  havmg  been  compelled,  by  the  severity 
of  his  wound  to  resign  t:,e  command.  It  was  now  ordered  to 
move  to  Lundy's  Lane  and  to  form  with  its  right  towards  the 
Niagara  road,  and  its  left  in  the  rear  of  the  artillery. 

After  the  lapse  of  half  an  hour,  general  Drummond  was 
heard  again  advancing  to  the  assault  with  renovated  vigour. 
The  direction  at  first  given  by  general  Ripley  was  aeain 
observed.  The  fire  of  the  Americans  was  drea  Jful ;  and^l^e 
artillery  of  major  Hindman,  which  were  served  with  creat  skill 
and  coolness  would  have  taken  away  all  heart  from  the  British 
for  this  perilous  enterprise,  had  not  an  example  of  bravery 
been  set  them  by  the  Americans.  After  the  first  discharJe^ 
he  Brush  general  threw  himself  with  his  entire  weight  upor^ 

whii  ^^^"'yfi'-^t  --^g^ent ;  a  few  platoons  only  faltering, 

which  were  soon  restored  by  general  Ripley.     Findin..  thS 
no  impression  could  be  made,  the  whole  British  line  again  re 
coiled  and  fell  back  to  the  bottom  of  (he  hill.     Durin<x  this 

inZLTT'^'"?  ^""""l  '^^'^''  ""-'''  '^d  ^y  generafScott 
in  person   tj,     fi^st  the  enemy's  left,  and  the  second  on 

his  right  flank,  with  his  consolidated  battalion  ;  but  having  °o 
oppose   double  lines  of  infantry,  his  attempts,  which  would 

tr  ^Z  uT  \^i  '^""^  P''°""'^  successful,  were  unavail- 
ing.     Although  he  had  most  fortunately  escaped  unhurt  thus 

wo'i'^ndl"'^"""-''];^ '"  f'Tli""  V^'  "8'"'  h«  -'^''^^d  ^vvo  severe 
field  untiXr^  °5.^""^f  '  ho^^ver,  he  did  not  quit  the 
field,   until   he    had    directed   colonel    Leavenworth  to  unite 


their  Cannon. 

tbesummitof 

spared  to  rush 

ig  directed  by 

•   The  enemy 

being  rallied 

idous  conflic 

violence  indc- 

to  yield,  and 

I  Porter's  vo- 

The  gallant 

onel  Dobbin, 

rcpidity. 

be  the  last 
jfore  had  the 
ored  his  lino 
ig  been  con- 
Dd  been  held 
>nel  Leaven- 
the  severity 
(V  ordered  to 
towards  the 

y- 

mmond  was 
ated  vigour. 

was  again 
ill ;  and  the 
1  great  skill 
1  the  British 
of  bravery 

discharge, 
eight  upon 
•eceived  by 
ly  faltering, 
inding  that 
3  again  re- 
)uring  this 
neral  Scott 

second  on 

having  to 
lich  would 
e  unavaiU 
nhurt  thus 
two  severe 
)t  quit  the 
h  to  unite 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


239 


Jtatile  of  Niagara 


the'^SrrtieSii^rhe'cS^^  '^^^^'  ?^"  ^'•"'^''  --  ^n 
reinlbrcements^S^Fort  gL?' '  'vT  '^'^  T''^''^  ^^'^'^ 
and  induced  them^o  make  anl^h  '',  '""'u'"^  '^''''  'P'^''^'^' 

struggle.    After  tTkinrrTn.    ""?""«'; ""^  still  more  desperate 

ver  n-om  theirft  " t "thov  aTn     "f^'i  "'^""^^'^^^  ^"^'^reco! 

nne,  and  with  co^nXe/  of"b  i^i' 'a^:  to  T'  ""'''"' f 
Americans.  Our  couritrvmon  lu  u°  i  *?  ^^erpowcr  the 
during  all  this  time!  we  7worn  down  tt  "'^-"^  '°  ^'>^'^  ^'"'^ 
fainting  with    thirst    whiph    H  "^  '^^'Sue,  and  almost 

quench'     From  t L  'lonS  ntc  v^rwhich  IVT'  f  ''^"'^  ^« 
second  repulse,  they  had  Wun?J  I       u^^'^^'^P'^'^  «'"^«  the 
had  abandoned  a  further  allf^:''^  u"'''^  '^'''  "^«  ^"^"^y 
pointed.     On  the  rnmmJh  n?  i'  ^Ji'."?!^'«  '^  «'<^re  disap- 
their  courageous  spiSreturnoH'  ^/'l!.''^  ^""^ '^"^  "^'^^  time, 
yield  the  glorious  t'ophe    of  t,'  "       '^'^  '"'°^^'«'^  "^^e'"  '» 
contend  no  lon.en   TheXti  h  M-'  "'^,'7'.  ""'''  ^''^y  ^o"^ 
distance  as  onfhe  proccdin"  on         '  n^  '^'''  ^'"'^  "*  ^^e  ^"'^^ 
turned  with  the  same  dea2  effect 'ih  ^"r  ,"'^°"/^  ''  ''^'  '^■ 
the  same  precipitation  as  berofo'thoTsf    n  '  ^f  '^^^^  ''''^ 
repeated  their  discharge.     A  co^fl  .7  w   ''^  advanced,  and 
beyond    description,  ^nued    conHK^t,  obstinate  and   dreadful 
brave  leader,  Ln-i;  whhstood  llJ^T^-^?'',  ""^^'^   ''' 
right  and  left  repited I? feM  back  ttv    '   '"'^  ''^"Sh  the 
by  the  personal  exertions  of  thl      '       T  '''''?  ''^  ^'^^n  ^-^^'ed 
Nicholi,  and  Jesup    At  ,/n'^^b  tf".'''''' '"^  ^°'*^"^'«  Miller, 

on  the  very  summ^'of^he  ^^^  ^trrth""''"'""  ^'"^^  ^^^^^ 
with  terrific  violenr^  U  »i  '""'.^^"ere  the  contest  was  vvafrgd 

the  obstinacy  o'tte  contt'''th\''  ^'"^  'k^^""^''     ^^^^  w^s 
sides,  were    forced    bade    and   thl  ""'"^  ^""'"'^''"'^  °"    both 
mingled  with  each  other     Nolhit    "T^""  ^T'""'   ^'''''"'^ 
tionofthe  battle  at  the  point  wti^r'^"-''""^  ''^^  '^'^^P^^''" 
The  enemy  havin/forccd    blm    ?        •'''""°"  '^'^'"^  stationed, 
major  HindmanT'artilTovv  ^  "''"'""'  '"^'^  ''^^  ^^--y  "idst  of 
acrLthec^rfa'cra  di ';';  ^rP^^'led  to  engage  them 
pieces.     Genera>Rintv  ^h     '      t  "'  ^f '  '°  'P'^'^  ^'°o  of  his 
'tions  to  their  pShonta'^^dtS^^^       '"^'^  ''"  '^^^'^^^  -- 
the  enemy's  Lnks  and  IZS  th     "^'  "°^^  P^««^^«d  upon 
centre  soon  following  the  examdl    n'T  /.'  ^''"  f^^-     ^he 
artillery  bein^  at  tJ.  IS^^n^^'^'.  '^"'^  .^^^^  ^«ack  upon  the 
fled  a  third  time  •  "and  nT       '^P"''^^'  ""'  ^^hole  British  line 
strain  them,  unTi?t'hey  had  nla  Ji?r  °^'^''''  ''^''''  ^°"'d  >•«• 
musquetry  ;nd  artSlJry     fte  B  'is?  nl^  '"'  °'  ^T^  °^  ^^^ 
-^i^-     ^  ne  British  now  consented  to  relin- 


240 


uivACKliNUIUGK'S 


II!  J 


Britlih  recover  their  Cannon Both  Arinieg  retire  ttnm  the  Field. 

quish  their  cannon,  and  retired  beyond  tlie  borders  of  the  field, 
leaving  their  dead  and  wonnded. 

General  Urown  liad  received  two  severe  wounds  at  the  com- 
menccment  of  the  last  charge,  and  was  compelled  to  retire  to 
the  camp  at  the  Chippewa,  leaving  th-j  command  to  general 
Ilipley.  The  latter  olHcer  had  made  repeated  eflbrts  to  obtain 
the  means  of  removing  the  captured  artillery;  but  the  horses 
having  been  killed,  and  no  drag-roiHJs  being  at  hand,  they  were 
still  on  the  place  where  they  had  been  captured,  when  orders 
were  received  from  general  Brown,  to  collect  the  wounded  and 
return  to  camp  immediately.  The  British  cannon  were  there- 
fore left  behind,  the  smaller  pieces  having  first  been  rolled 
down  the  hill.  The  whole  of  the  troops  reached  the  camp 
in  good  order  about  midnight,  after  an  unmolested  march. 

It  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  these  trophies  of  victory  could 
not  have  been  secured  ;  as  the  circumstance  of  their  recovery 
by  the  British  gave  them  occasion,  surprising  as  it  may  seem, 
to  claim  the  victory.  To  high  praise  they  certainly  Were  en' 
titled ;  but  to  the  merit  of  "  a  complete  defeat  of  the  Americans," 
they  had  no  claim,  and  the  assertion  wi.s  an  outrage  to  truth. 
A  compliment  for  such  a  victory  ought  tt»  infuse  the  blush  of 
shame  into  the  cheek  of  any  honourable  soldier  who  had  a 
share  in  the  contest  so  named. 

The  British  force  engaged,  of  whom  twelve  hundred  were 
militia  and  five  hundred  Indians,  was  little  short  of  five  thou- 
sand men ;  being  nearly  a  third  greater  than  that  of  the  Ameri- 
cans. The  loss  on  either  side  was  proportioned  to  the  nature  of 
this  dreadful  and  sanguinary  battle:  its  aggregate, in  both  armies, 
amounted  to  one  thousand  seven  hundred  and  twenty-nine; 
and  the  killed  and  wounded  alone  to  near  one  thousand  four 
hundred.  In  the  records  of  the  most  bloody  battles  we  seldom 
meet  with  so  great  a  number  of  officers  killed  and  wounded. 
On  the  side  of  the  British,  one  assistant  adjutant-gener.-.l,  one 
captain,  three  subalterns,  and  seventy-nine  non-commi  -sioned 
officers  and  privates,  were  killed;  lieutenant-general  Drum- 
mond,  three  licntcnant-colonels,  two  majors,  eight  vaptains, 
twenty. two  subalterns,  and  five  hundred  and  twenty-two  non- 
commissioned officers  and  privates  were  wounded :  one  major 
general  (Riall,  who  was  also  wounded),  one  aid-de-camp— cap- 
tain Loring,  five  other  captains,  nine  subalterns,  and  two  hun- 
dred and  twenty  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  w  re 
prisoners  or  missing :  making  in  all  eight  hundred  and  seventy- 
eight  men.  The  American  loss  was,  one  major,  five  captains, 
five  subalterns,  and  one  hundred  and  fifty-nine  non-commis- 
sidned  officers   and   privates,   killed;   major-general  Brown, 


oRi  llie  Field. 


irs  of  the  field, 

Js  at  tlio  com- 
d  to  retire  to 
nd  to  general 
forts  to  obtain 
but  the  horses 
ind,  they  were 
,  when  orders 

wounded  and 
n  were  thero- 
t  been  rolled 
lied  the  camp 
d  march, 
'victory  could 
:heir  recovery 

it  may  seem, 
inly  were  en- 
j  Americans," 
•age  to  truth. 

the  blush  of 
r  who  had  o 

lundred  were 
of  five  thou- 
of  the  Ameri- 
the  nature  of 
a  both  armies, 
twenty-nine ; 
:housand  four 
es  we  seldom 
md  wounded. 
;-gencr.'il,  one 
:ommi  -sioned 
neral  Drum- 
ght  captains, 
tity-two  non- 
l :  one  major 
;-camp — cap- 
and  two  hun- 
rivates,  w  re 
and  seventy- 
five  captains, 
non-commis- 
eral   Brown, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


2'il 


BrilLh  .dvnee  .g.m  ri.efollowin,  Mor.,in,. . . . Americtj^.j^uc^tM^^^^T' 

brigadier.gencrals  Scott  and  Porter,  two  aids-de-camp  one 
brigade  major,  one  colonel,  four  lieutenant-colonels,  on^mabr 
jeven  captams,  th  rty-seven  subalterns,  and  five  h^nS red  S 
fifteen  non-commissioned  officers  and  privates,  wounded ;  and 
TdW'  -^"jor,  one  captain,  six  subaltern;,  and  one  hun- 
dred  and  two  nou  commissioned  officers  and  privates,  prisoners 
or  missing :  making  u  grand  total  of  eight  hundred  and  firSne 
rhus  there  ^ms  a  d.lleionce  of  twenty^-seven  only,  bet  een  the 
respective  losses  of  the  contending  parties.  ^ 

fh/frnr"""?J^^'"''"-'^¥°'"^^'''^^'^  g«"eral  Ripley  to  refresh 
proceed  to  the  battle  ground,  and  engage  the  enemy  if  circum 
^ances  permitted.      On  reconnoiterinl  the  enemy,  he  fZd 
them  drawn  up  m  advance  of  their  position  of  the  preced"Sff 

ltlZ\l  '""f  "'*''  "!!^  P'-«^«"''"S  ^  ''°™idable  appTranae! 
h  would  have  been  madness  to  renew  the  combat  with  a  forc^ 
which,  on  exammation,  amounted  to  only  fifteen  hundred  men 
fit  for  duy  ;  and  he  therefore  properly  declined  t  hIs  con^ 
duct  was  hastily  censured  by  general  Brown,  in  h^s  despatched 
to  the  government.  General  Ripley,  in  consequence,  had  for 
a  long  period  to  contend  with  the'  obloquy  of  puWic  'oSon' 
and  t  was  not  until  some  time  sui,sequently,  that  the  fuTextent' 
of  his  merit  was  known.  It  is  now  generally  admi»ed  tha 
much  of  the  pra  se  of  this  brilliant  victory  is  due  to  the  skS 
and  valour  of  this  officer.  '" 

General  Ripley,  finding  himself  unable  to  n,     ,         -t-nd 
against  the  superior  force  of  the  British,  retro.        o  Fort  Erfe 

fn.  .^H  7^^'"^  '^^l'"  "PP'"^"^'''  irnmediatolv  set  about  "tS.' 
«ng  Its  defences.     The  enemy,  notwithstanu.ng  their  preSed 

T  7'a^'u  "°'  '^'"'^  proper  to  follow  up  the  Americans  unUl 
they  had  been  reinforced  by  general  D.  Wa.te^Ute  whh  one 
thousand  men.  Their  whole  force,  nnwamounfing  to  ui^^^^^^^^ 
of  five  thousand  men,  appeared,  on  tl,  <  3d  of  August   £forP  a 

uZlTT  "5''''  "  '^"  ^T  P-^^'^-'y  h«d  S"  considered 

ments  Tri>'°'"T"'"l  '^'^  ^'■^''«"  ^'^  '^^^^^^  intrench, 
ments.     The  besieged,  at  the  «,    ae  time,  laboured  incessantiv 

^wTt't   '^'''  arrangements  for  defence.     The   posiS 

iS.  if  "^r""""  "^''"y  ''"^  *^'^«"'  ^°'-  the  purpo  eof  mak. 
laining  itself  against   so  great  a  superiority,  possessed  few 
natural  advantages  •  and  the  work  called  Fo^r  Erie  was  liUle 

ZdreS  wVfrl  T'fl'^i  -^-b.t-  S'-'-ted  'aS'one 
iiuuureu  yaras  irom  the  lake  shoro  at  its  nonr«ct  op„u  „_j  ._ 

BidS'  f  ^^T-  *^'^'""  ^'''  elevation.7hi7?ort' coufd'brcon" 

«mD  A  £  n?^  "r  ^^'"  '^'  ^''°"g««^  P°'"t  °f  '^  fortified 
Wmp,     A  line  of  works  was  yet  to  be  constructed  in  front,  and 


"j  >iL 


iti 


•«. 


...     'r' 


•I 


S4S 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Siege  of  Port  Erie 


■  Projected  Attack  on  Buifalo  repulsed. 


C.f>  I  ^  7^1!''  r^"  ^-^  'l^  ^^^^'  '^^  '^^'  °"  th«  shore  being 
left  open  Ihe  fort  itself  probably  did  not  occupy  more  than 
a  sixth  of  the  space  occupied  by  the  line  of  defences;  and  he 
remainder  could  not  be   otherwise   than   hastily  constructed! 

he  BH;i"h  ""^t"'^'"?  '\'  '^""^  ""•*  ^^"^i'^"^  approaches  0 
the  Bitish,  much  remained  unfinished  at  the  last  moment. 

On  the  same  day  that  the  enemy  appeared  before  Fort  Erie, 
a  detachment  under  colonel  Tucker,  crossed  the  Niagara,  fl; 
;^  purpose  of  attacking  Buffalo  and  recapturing  genefal  Ria?L 
■  IoTJu\  '^?':!^''  subsequently  increased  by^'reinforcements 
to  twelve  hundred  men,  was  repulsed  by  major  Morgan  with 
but  two  hundred  and  forty  men.  In  this  affair  captain  Hamil- 
ton  and  lieutenants  Wadsworth  and  M'Intosh  werrkilled! 

thJ7tt  5r''°/u^°''  ^"^  ""^'^  sufficiently  completed,  by 
the  7th,  to  keep  at  bay  an  enemy  who  had  learned  to  respect 
pur  arms.  From  this  day,  until  the  14th,  there  was  an  almos 
ncessant  cannonade  between  the  batteries  of  the  besiegers  and 
the  besieged.  In  the  frequent  skirmishes  which  took  place! 
^ZrT'TV'^"^  g«"f  «"y  victorious ;  in  one  of  them,  how- 
'  Z  '-ll  u'^  TJ"'  ^°'g^"'  ^  b^^v«  officer,  who  had  dis- 
tinguished  himself  as  above  mentioned,  and  whose  death  was 
^ncerely  lamented.  General  Gaines  had  arrived  shoX  after 
the  commencement  of  the  siege,  and  before  any  regular  firing 
had  been  entered  upon.     Being  the  senior  officer,  he  assumed 

.  l^ntf hirbrigar "'  ^^"^^^'  ^'^'^^  ^^^"^"^^  ^^  ^'^  -- 

in  ?hP  ntutt'  ""^  "'"  ^f  ^'  S'""f^^  ^'"P'^y  P«^««iv«d  a  bustle 
n  the  Bntish  camp ;  and  conceiving  that  an  assault  was  about 
to  be   made,  he  despatched  a  messenger  to  apprize  genera 
Games  of  his  convictions,  who,  however,  had  already  fomed 
«Jrr  ""P r'""-    F«P°«''io"«.  in  which  the  troops Vnthust 

General  Drummond  had  made  arrangements  to  assail  the 

klT'".nf '^'''T%'"  '^'  "S^*'  *^^"'«  ^^^  »-ft  -'  the  same 
instant ,  and  general  Gaines,  not  knowing  where  the  enemv 

The  LT  and  l'^  f ''^''  "^^  ^^^P^^^'^  ^°  ^^^  ^im  at  all  ^3 
t«in  Wi  r  f'T  '""[f  P''^""'^  ""-^^^  the  command  of  cap- 

tarn  Williams,  of  the  artillery  ;  and  a  battery  on  the  margin  of 

A  K  ^v,  '  ^'"^"'.^  *°  '^^Pt'^'"  Douglass,  of  the  engineers. 
W  ST''  r'  '^V'^T'  hastionof  thefort,was  occupTed 
pLr-"--  r^'-  ""''^  "  detachment  of  infantry.  CaptSins 
RnH  fhr""fl  """^'  supported  by  general  Porter's  volunteers 
»K.i  rfu  ""^M,'  commanded  the  batteries  in  front.  The 
whole  of  the  artillery  throughout  the  garrison  were  directed  by 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


243 


lo  repulsed. 

B  shore  being 
ly  more  than 
ices ;   and  the 

constructed, 
ipproaches  of 
moment, 
ire  Fort  Erie, 
Niagara,  for 
general  Rial!, 
iinforcements 
Morgan  with 
ptain  Hamil- 
e  killed, 
ompleted,  by- 
id  to  respect 
as  an  almost 
)esiegers  and 

took  place, 
f  them,  how- 
'ho  had  dis- 
ie  death  was 
shortly  after 
egular  firing 
he  assumed 
to  the  com- 

ved  a  bustle 
It  was  about 
rize  general 
jady  formed 
)ps  enthusi- 
receive  the 

5  assail  the 
at  the  same 
the  enemy 
it  all  points, 
and  of  cap. 
B  margin  of 
!  engineers, 
as  occupied 
Captains 
1  volunteers 
ront.  The 
directed  by 


Assault  on  Port  Erie. 


Zi.l  ,^'"^";""-  The  first  brigade,  lately  commanded  by 
geneial  Scott,  now  under  lieutenant-colonel  Aspinwall,  was 
posted  on  the  right ;  and  general  Ripley's,  the  second,  brigade! 
supported  lowson's  battery  at  the  southwestern  e.xt^cmiry  of 
the  works,  and  the  line  of  the  works  on  the  left.  A  few  hours 
before  the  commencement  of  the  assault,  one  of  the  enemy's 
shells  exploded  a  small  magazine  within  the  American  works 
which  was  succeeded  by  a  loud  shout  from  the  besie-crs.  The 
shout  vvas  returned  by  the  Americans;  and  captainViUiams! 
amid  the  smoke  of  the  explosion,  immediately  discharged  al 
tils  heavy  guns.  d  "  «" 

,    At  half  past  two  in  the  morniig,  the  darkness  bein-  excess- 
ive, the  approach  of  the  enemy's  right  column,  one  Thousand 
hr(^  hundred  strong,  under  lieutenant-colonel  Fischer,  was  d"s- 

ZlJTnr  '^%  'f  °^  '^^  S'^"'^^"-     The  second  br^ade. 
and  the  artillery  of  Towson's  battery  were  ready  to  receive 

hrhntt^^'T^   r  ""f  ^  ""^  'i^^^^ly'  the  British  assai  ed 

the  battery  with  scaling  ladders,  and  the  line  towards  the  lake 

with  the  bayonet.      They  were  permitted  to  approach  Ise  up 

to  the  works,  when  a  tremendous  fire  was  opened  upon  them 

and  their  column  fell  back  in  confusion.    Colonel  Fischer,  aUy! 

f£nA  r"'  ''^'''"  advanced  furiously  to  the  attack;  bu  wasa 

second  time  compelled  to  retire,  with  still  greater  loss.      The 

possession  of  Towson's  battery  being  considered  essential  to  the 

general  plan  of  assault,  he  next  essayed  to  pass  round  the  abaUis 

by  wading  breast  deep  in  the  lake ;  but  in  this  attempt  he  was  un! 

successful  and  nearly  two  hundred  of  his  men  were  either  kiHed 

or  drowned.     Without  seeking  to  learn  the  result  of  the  attack 

on  ^her  points,  he  now  ordered  a  retreat  to  the  British  encamp- 

The  enemy's  central  and  left  columns  having  waited  until 

commldedihe  7'ft  T^'^^^'^^  ^"^^S^^'  ^'''-^^  «-»' ""^o 
^hTlTr  Ji  r^"  ''°'"'""'  approached  on  the  right  alonp 
column  'at'S'  ''^"'^"'^^^-•^"^i  Drummond,  with  the  central 
column,  at  the  same  moment  advanced  to  the  assault  of  the 
for  proper.  Colonel  Scott  was  checked  by  captain  Douglass's 
battery  captains  Boughton  and  Harding's  Nesv  York  and 
Pennsylvania  volunteers  on  its  right,  the  Ninth  infantry  under 
captain  Foser  on  its  left,  and  a  six-pounder  stationed  there 

SSed  thatTr"  °'  '''T'  M'Ree.'  Their  fire  was  so  .^^^ 
directed,  that  the  approachmg  column  made  a  momentary 
pause  at  the  distance  of  fiftv  vard=  nn^  ♦!.„.,  "  _  _T^"^*7 
withstanding  the  rapid  and  hea7y  fiVe' from' c^p  ain  Wiiliams^ 

EundS'  '  l'  r  """  "1  't"^'  Drummond,  composed  of  eTgh 
hundred  select  troops,  firmly  advanced  to  the  attack  of  the  fort. 


•  t 


^    ■>! 
'I 


I 


244 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


— ^^^^^^^li^""-'^"" Death  of  co.onei^;;;;;;;;;;i[ — 

Suddenly  applying  his  scaling  ladders,  he  mounted  theparaDet' 
theirtftT   '=^"'"1  °»'  '«  tl'°  line  extending  to  the  faK 

not  in  "for  ^Ip  "  I  '  ^'''P-'""  ^'^'  discovered,  it  availed 
l\,h  3.'  '°'^/^V°'"'""'  °"  >ts  second  charge,  was  resisted 
with  so  much  effect,  as  to  be  compelled  again  to  re'reaT  S 
the  loss  of  ,ts  commander  and  a  Ihird  of'its  numbers  The 
ihr?  f'r",^'^'  '"  'h«  rneanwhile,  with  gr"^^^^^^^^ 
15  nT    ."?'  "''^""S'^  ''^^  ^'-^^P^  ^'^»^i'^  the  foif  were  quick  V 

Z„^  n  /^^P'^ated  assaults  were  made  by  colonel  Drum- 
mond.  Lach  t.me  they  were  repulsed  by  colonel  Hindman^s 
ar  .llery  and  the  infantry  under  rnajor  Trimblef  an" ST ?hat 
tTnanfrf'^T'  '^°'"'""  ^^^  withdrawn  from  the  Action  leu 

euns"of  tSn  "''  '"°""S^^  '"  S'^'"g  -^h  ^  direct  nlo  the 
fnZ^in  ^'^'  "'  ^°  ^"'  o^  ^lic  communication  between 

colonel  Drummond,  and  the  reserve  which  was  to  iS  hrnn!h^ 
up  to  h.3  support  under  iieutenant-colonel  Tucker  ^ 

mmnaT^ r  """u^'  ^^^^^"g*^  ^hree  times  repulsed,  was  un- 

willing  to  renounce  his  undertaking.  Availin/himspl f  r,r  t K 
darkness  o  the  morning,  which  w^as  incr  a  ed  by  dfsmoLt 
tjlf    '  '"''^  "'''"^  '^^  ^•'^''^  «»d  suddenly  applyinThfs' 

™d^;    %^°  '?f  l"  '"'"*Pike,  and,  with  he  des~raS  of 
Shelby  colonel  Drummond  himself.     The  latter  aurv.od  h°' 

."S/h  fZ."!!?.??  •  "--i™"  »  «l  i"  l.i^  breast!  which 

„, , ■■■■;  -.--'^"^c-     Drufai  courai'e  merits  nothinir  hnt 

«  iTtS?'  Th^  '"•^  -hen  tempered  with  mercy,  thatv'alou 
IS  a  y,.tue.     The  enemy  still  maintained  their  position,  notwith' 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


245 


'ummond. 

d  the  parapet, 
the  lake  on 
so  well,  that 
the  order  to 
heir  fire,  and 
to  approach 
i,  it   availed 
was  resisted 
retreat,  with 
nbers.     The 
3at  difficulty 
vere  quickly 
eral  Porter's 
lonel  Drum- 
Hindman's 
nd  now  that 
action,  lieu- 
action  to  the 
ion  between 
'  be  brought 

ed,  was  un- 
fiself  of  the 

the  smoke, 
pplying  his 
^'ing  out  to 
es  no  quar- 
nost  furious 
he  assault, 
supporting 
on,  though 
ptain  Wil- 
lough   and 
ight,  called 
id,  who  re- 
y  instance. 

spirits  of 
irbarity  of 
leration  of 
itil  he  was 
rvived  this 
ast,  which 
>thing  but 
hat  valour 
I,  notwith- 


Awault  on  Fort  Erie  ■■■■  .^Tremeudoua  E»rplo»ion Britiah driven  back. 

Standing  the  death  of  their  leader,  and  repulsed  every  atten^t 
to  dislodge  them  until  daylight:  they  had,  in  the  meantime, 
suffered  excessively.  The  contest  along  the  whole  line  of 
detences,  with  tins  exception,  liaving  ceased,  considerable  rein- 
lorcements  were  ordered  up.  The  enemy  now  began  to  recoil  : 
and  in  a  few  moments  many  of  them  were  thrown  over  the 
bastion.  The  reserve  coming  up  to  their  support,  the  cannon 
ot  the  Doug  ass  battery  enfiladed  the  column  as  it  approached, 
and  the  artillery  of  lieutenant  Fanning  played  upon  it  with 
great  effect ;  while  a  gun  under  the  charge  of  captain  Biddle 
was  served  with  uncommon  vivacity.  A  part  of  the  reserve,  to 
he  number  of  from  three  to  four  hundred  men,  was  neverthe- 
less  about  to  rush  on  the  parapet  to  the  assistance  of  the  recoil- 
ing  soldiers,  when  a  tremendous  explosion  took  place  under  the 
platform  of  the  bastion,  which  carried  awav  the  bastion  and  all 
who  were  on  it.  The  reserve  now  f-il  back  ;  and  the  contest, 
in  a  short  time,  terminated  ir  ' ,  entire  defeat  of  the  enemy, 
and  their  return  to  their  encc-  it. 

I  J^^  ^"^'^'^  ^""^  °"  ^^^  ^  '  '-*  hundred  and  twenty-two 
killed,  among  them  fourfeen  otficers  of  distinction ;  one  hun- 
dred and  seventy.four  wounded  ;  and  one  hundred  and  eiahty- 
%l  prisoners:  making  a  total  of  five  hundred  and  eighty^two. 
Ihe  official  statement  of  general  Drummond  makes  it  in  all 
nine  hundred  and  five,  of  which  fifty-seven  were  killed.  The 
American  loss  amounted  to  seventeen  killed,  fifty-six  wounded 
and  one  lieutenant  (Fontain,  thrown  out  while"  defe  iding  the 
bastion)  ana  ten  privates  prisoners :  in  all,  eighty-foui'  men.  It 
was  not  until  all  hopes  of  carrying  the  fort  were  a*,  an  end,  that 
the  lirUish  deigned  to  make  prisoners  of  a  few  wounded  men 
wno  lell  into  their  power. 

The  explosion  of  the  bastion  furnished  th^  British  with  an 
excuse  for  their  defeat ;  and  they  represented  its  consequences 
as  much  more  serious  than  they  really  were.  It  is  certain, 
however,  that  the  assault  had  already  failed  at  every  other  point; 
and  the  small  body  of  men  in  possession  of  the  outer  bastion 
could  not  by  possibility  have  subdued  the  whole  garrison. 
iVor  was  the  number  killed  by  the  explosion  so  great  as  they 
stated:  the  slaughter  of  the  enemy  took  place  during  the  as- 
sault,  which,  at  the  iime  when  the  occurrence  took  place,  had 
lasted  upwards  of  an  hour. 

The  enemy  now  remained  quiet  in  his  intrenrhmpnts  until 
he  received  a  reinlbrcement  of  two  regiments.  When  they  ar- 
rived,  he  renewed  his  assault  on  the  fort  from  enlarged  batteries, 
continuing  it,  with  little  intermission,  to  the  latter  end  of  Au- 
gust.    On  the  28th,  general  Gaines  being  severely  wounded  by 


ii 

PI 


^40 


BRACKENKIDGE'S 


he  bursting  of  a  shell,  and  compellerj  to  retire  to  Buffalo  the 
command  agam     volved  .n  general  Ripley.  '  ^^ 

nJ^A  ''IT*'°"  •^"•*^^  ^""y  '"  Fort  Erie  had  begun  to  excite 
considerable  uneasmess;  but  the  operations  of  sir  George  pj^ 
vost,  about  this  t.me,  in  the  vicinity  of  Champlain  and  PlatS 
burg    rendered   ,t  for  a  period  very  uncertain  whether  anv 
relief  could  be  sent  by  general  Izardf    It  aflerwardsTppeared^ 
that  orders  to  that  effect  had  been  given  to  this  officer  bv  the 
secretary  of  war ;  but  he  was  prevented,  by  a  variety  of  cauis 
from  moving   as   rapidly  as  could   have  been  des^ired      The 
garrison,  however,  m  -s  strengthened  by  the  daily  arrival  of 
mihtia  and  volunteers;  and  general  Brown,  bavin^ sufficfenUv 
t'eT/of  sZ  ""'ir^^tA'^  "^"^"^^  ^o  the  command  oJ 
vLurbVh   '^^v^'-   Jti'^-^  "'^^  ^'"^  maintained  with 
liZy  i      '-'''h  ""^^  ^""^  abandoned  the  idea  of  carrying 
tjlT^  f '""''  5^.^>'  '"^S"'^'-  ^PP'-oaches,  although  tS 
force  had  been  considerably  augmented  since  their  last  defeat 
1  he  Americans  laboured  with  unrelaxing  assiduity,  to  compSe 
their  fortifications.     Frequent  skirmishes  occurred  andT?a,> 
aonade  on  either  side  was  kept  up ;  but  nothing  of  importance 
e?vinfthat"h    *^«  ^^'^^  September.     Genlral  Bro^tob 
serving  that  the  enemy  had  just  completed  a  battery,  which 
sorde  X"h'h"'K'  '^^^'^"'ri've  fire  the  next  day,  pLned  a 
sortie  which  has  been  considered  a  military  chef-d'ceuvre  and 
which  was  carried  into  execution  on  the  day  Just  mentSned 
I     Brit^h  force  consisted  of  three  brigadesf  of  one  Thousand 
five  hundred    men  each:   one  of  them  was  stationed  at  th« 
works  m  front  of  Fort  Erie,-  the  other  tMo  cScupTed  a  camn 
two  miles  in  the  roar.     The  design  of  general  Brown  was  to 
'Storm  the  batteries,  destroy  the  cannon,  and  roZly  hand  e 

ip-Tro^r.^;  •^'  '^'^T  ?°^^  ^"  ''''''-  could  be  brought 
L  ptSr  ,•  P!"«^'°"«ly  ^^^  opened  by  lieutenants  Ridd^ 
and  trazer,  m  a  circuitous  course,  through  the  woods  within 

SIS'  '^  '^'  "^^'  ^^"'^  °^^^^  '-"«  ofiSLTteieranS 
w  th  such  secrecy  as  to  have  escaped  the  notice  of  the  enemv 

nmKe  me  sortie.  The  left  division,  commanded  by  ecneral 
Porter,  was  composed  of  riflemen  and  Indians  unde^r  fo  one 

WnS  ;.'"?  a^^  '^'"'""^'  '^^  ''^Sht  commanded  by  colone 
Wood,  the  left  .y  general  Davis  of  the  New  York  mihtia    and 

open  d  ''TllriZ'f  ^  "'°''^  '^  ''^  ''''  «vhich  hadCn 
opened,     ihe  right  division,  under  frennml  Millar    "-t-  -ts 

^ned  m  a  ravine  between  the  fort  and'the  ;nemy's"  worts' 
e^a^fthliJ^Vht  tr  ""'"  «--^'  ^--  ^^^^^^^^" 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


>  from  the  Fort. 

)  Buffalo,  the 

jun  to  excite 
George  Pre- 
1  and  Platts- 
vhether  any 
ds  appeared, 
fficer  by  the 
ty  of  causes, 
;sired.  The 
y  arrival  of 
I  sufficiently 
ommand  on 
itained  with 

of  carrying 
though  their 

last  defeat. 

to  complete 
I  and  a  can- 
importance 
Brown,  ob- 
Sery,  which 

planned  a 
ceuvre,  and 
mentioned, 
e  thousand 
ned   at  the 
ied  a  camp 
wn  was  to 
;hly  handle 
be  brought 
infs  Riddle 
3ds,  within 
teries,  and 
he  enemy. 
?adiness  to 
)y  general 
er  colonel 
)y  colonel 
ilitia ;  and 

had  been 

Vr'as  sta- 
's  works, 
3uld  have 


247 


B^!^^^2!^J^nErie^ Destruction  of  the  Enemy,  }^i^. 

The  troops  of  general  Porter  advanced  with  so  much  celerity 
and  caution,  that  their  attack  upon  the  enemy's  flank  Vavet^ 

fn  iSr  tf"  '^  ;^"  "PP^"^^''-     A  ««-r«  conflfct^ensued! 
W^H    f  11     fu^^'^"^^'^'^^'^'  ^°'°"^1  Gibson   and   colone 
Wood,  fell   at  the  head  of  their  columns.     Their  resSve 
commands  now  devolved  on  licutenant-colonel  M'Dona  d  and 

two  batteiies  m  this  quarter,  and  also  of  a  blockhouse  in  the 
rear,  and  ,ts  garrison.  Three  twenty-four-pounders  were 
rendered  useless,  and  their  magazine  blLn  up  by  HeutenaS 
Rddle,  who  narrowly  escaped   the   effects  of '  the  explosion 

^v  colon"  ir'-K  ''^ '  ''°T  ""^^^  g^"«'^l  ^^'"-'-  '^^"^e  u7  Aided 
by  colonel  Gibson's  column,  they  pierced  the  British  ntrench- 
ments,  and,  after  a  sharp  conflict,  carried  a  battery  and  "  bl^k 
house  In  this  assault  brigadier-gencral  Davis  fdl  at  the  h^ad 
of  his  volunteers.  These  batteries  and  the  two  blockhouses 
bemg  m  the  possession  of  the  Americans,  general  mS 
division  directed  its  course  toward  the  battery  erected  a  th' 
extremity  of  the  enemy's  left  flank.  At  thirr^oment  the! 
were  joined  by  the  reserve  under  general  Ripley.  The  resist^ 
ance  here  was  much  bolder  and  more  obstinate.  The  wo  ks 
being  exceedingly  intricate,  from  the  studied  complexity  of  he 
successive  lines  of  intrenchments,  a  constant  use  of  the  bayonet 

W  th  5^°^^  '"°^"  i  "''""'"g  '^^'"-  The  enemy  hadTlso 
by  this  time,  received  considerable  reinforcements  from  theS 
encampment  m  the  rear.  General  MiHer  continued  to  adtan-T 
notwithstanding  the  absence  of  those  valuable  oWs?  colonel 
Aspinwall  and  major  Trimble,  the  former  severe'rthe  latter 
dangerously  wounded.  The  Twenty-first  re-iment  under  iJ^u 
tenant-colonel  Upham,  belonging  to  the  reserCand  par!of  th^ 
Seventeenth,  uniting  with  the  corps  of  general 'Miller?cLarged 
frt^.-T"/^^  battery,  which  was  instantly  abandoned  bv 
the  British  infantry  and  artillery.  General  Ripley,  S  the 
senior  officer,  now  ordered  a  line  to  be  formed  for^he  pfotec^ 
tionof  the  detachments  engaged  in  destroying  the  batteries  and 
was  engaged  in  making  arrangements  for  following  up, '^ 
rear  of  general  Drummond,  a  success  which  had  so  far  tran! 
scended  expectation,  when  he  received  a  wound  in  the  neck 

ZteS  tol'V'r  TK^'r^^^'""^^'  ''■''  i--ediatery  trans.' 
ported  to  the  fort.     The  objects  of  the  sortie  having  been  com- 

ScLw-1'  Sr-'.^^'^  -"-^d  in  his  detacLents,  and 
re  irca  m  guud  order,  with  tl<e  prisoners  and  many  trophies  of 
this  signal  exploit.     Ihus,  in  a  few  hours,  the  labou?  of  tho 

to  the  loss  of  their  cannon,  upwards  of  a  thousand  of  their 


^;'  'I' 


'  ifl 


248 


BIUCKENBTOGE'S 


to  eighty.three  killed?  twThundreJ  and '"JT""  '"''  "r""'^'^ 
a  like  number  missing  rS  ?u  ^"''^^"  wounded,  and 
several  otheioffic^     r;,,?^''^'^^  those  a  ready  mentioned, 

captains  ArmiS  of  the  i^e  co^^ 

infantry,  Bradford  ofthlrZl,  2^!'  ^fr.°^  *'^e  Eleventh 
teers;  ensign  OTlin.  of  The  ^"^''';  ""u^  ?"^'  °^  '^e  volun- 
lant  officer r  and  Sn^Li to'^;%^elS  f '" 

aihitjtrpi:ndi?".i^^^ 

the.,  they  hrofe  up  ^tirela^— f^^^^^^^^^ 

met°Lt£buff;nTb:^'  '^r'^  ^^"^^^  -'^^  --^'-e. 
to  the  command  whfe  genera  B^mw'  ''^"'°'- ««<=«•-.  «"cceeded 
Harbour.     By  thi^  acceS  'r  r         ^««  O'-dered  to  Sackett'g 

the  defences,Lla;pSrnsof  ?:!'/"!  '^'  ^°'"P'«''<'«  °f 
Fort  Erie  were  removed  Tboutth^^  ^  »  ^'.'""2^'  ^S"'"«* 
secretary  at  war  hearing  thtT  4  ■  •  f '^"^  ^"^  °^  J">y.  the 
reinforime„rs^^f;om^E£  o^lnS  on'Tadt;"^  fT' 
general  kard,  the  proDrietv  nf  nr«  §•  r  °  '"timated  to 
Sackett's  Hartour  S'  SLiLK^I^  '- 

purpose  of  threatening  PresSrand  S  f  ^"  ^f '^''  ^°^  ^^^ 
time  of  aiding  general  BmwnTnfh  ^'"Sston,  and  at  the  same 
campaign.  In  puSncP TtM  f-  P'"^^^^"^'""  of  his  part  of  tha 
Sacfett^HaErw^^^^^^^^^^^ 

to  four  thousand  men,  arriving  there  on  the  ^^'^^""k"^ 
The  events  which  had  in  the  meant"m«  ,!  S  ^^P'^mber. 

have  been  already  detailed  had  Sn       °*^^"r^'  and  which 
paign.     Shortly  before  he  amvaTnrih^  "'''  ^^?  ^°  '^^  ^«™- 
Harbour,  he  had  received  a  IX.  r     ^^  ^^""l"^'  ^^  ^a^^^ett's 
informationof  his  crS  no,  ttn      T  ^u"""'^^  ^^°^»'  giving 
It  was  not  before  ^heTothTr'^""^?'"'-^ 
embark  hisTroops  «„  lat;  olff"''''^^         ^'^^  ^"^'''-d  to 
had  arrived  befo^re  he\l:,?yt;"LTFo^^^^^^^^^^ 
seen,  m  a  subsequent  chanter  thaf  til       I   l.-^,'  .  ^*  ^*"  ^ 
soon  after  his  dena!  ure  nS  •         ■    P°''  '^^'''^  ^^  '^.1  was, 
which  he  had  cSme    oreS  "tV^'"'"  '\^"^'^^>  ««  ^^a^ 
results  of  prosecuting  the  war"  wiTh  a  1  3  f^%  ""^voidable 
a  frontier  of  such   Lmen  e  exTent  'n   thf     '^  ?'"'  ^'°"g 

small  corps,  at  distances  of  four  0?  five  hSndrerT°"   '*'"' 
could  march  fn  th-  r^li-** -^ ---!      u     ""ndred  miles  apart. 

plans,  subject  to  innumerable  ca^flZ      '■  '''  ^^^  °"  concerted 


George. 

hundred  and 
3SS  amounted 
vounded,  and 
{  mentioned, 
1  this  affair: 
the  Eleventh 
jf  the  volun- 
"try,  a  gal- 
d  Blakesley, 
British   had 

claimed  by 
;hed  to  Fort 

h  reinforce- 
r,  succeeded 
to  Sackett's 
mpletion  of 
Tipt  against 
if  July,  the 
ding  strong 
nti  mated  to 
attsburg  to 
ces,  for  the 
It  the  same 

partoftho 
il  moved  to 
amounting 
September, 
and  which 
0  the  cam- 

Sackett's 
■vn,  giving 
edy  relief, 
enabled  to 
f  October 
It  will  be 
;  le.1  was, 
al  as  that 
avoidable 
an,  along 
tion   that 
es  apart, 
concerted 
Italy,  be- 
rtie  plan 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR.  249 

'S2'^  Th^"'  ^'T'  \^^  '=°'"P^"«d  *h«  enemjT^T^^i^^^j;; 

the  shyness  cf  the  latler  '  "  '=°°*i1''™<:e  of 

On  iheTsth  of  Octh/r  if  '""""^  '"'¥"'?  °'  *«  «'»'  *«»■•• 

and  c;.„™,  i,3  orerhT[h.iv":;s  z'°cX  :m 

f£4"',„7h™?-"PP"  ?""*•     This  w'a°s  te3>,? 

on^  J-  /  -u       ',  .    '"'"f'''  "'<^''^  transported  to  the  American  siVl/ 
an^d.tr,buted  m  M^nter  quarters  Lt  Buffalo,  malStd 

Thus  terminated  the  third  invasion  of  Canada,  if  it  could  pro- 


I'll 

il 


.'«: 


■f«*   ? 


250 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


ao«e  of  the  Thini  InvMion  of  Canada  .  ■ .  ■  Important  Result,  of  the  Cmpi;^ 

tSll  tffh  ^""^^'/°'  ''  ^^«  T  generally  expected  that  any 
hmg  further  would  be  accomplished,  than  keeping  in  check 
the  forces  of  the  enemy  and  regaining  what  w'e  had  lost  on 
our  own  s.de.  At  the  opening  of  the  campaign,  general  BK>wn 
indulged  a  hope  of  be.ng  able,  in  conjunction  with  commodore 
Chaunccy   to  subdue  the  British  forces  in  the  neighbourh^J 

^L  f^.uT'°  ""^  '°  P°^^««^  '^•'"^^l^  of  Kingston;  but 
towards  the  begmnmg  of  autumn,  so  material  a  change  had 
occurred  in  our  situation,  in  consequence  of  the  great  aufmen- 
ta^ion  of  the  British  force  on  the  clnada  frontierfand  the  i^va- 
sions  of  our  territory  on  the  sea  coast,  that  all  idea  of  r^akinij 
an  impression  on  Canada,  with  Ihe  means  then  on  foo t?  wa? 

tionlhawh.  T'  ""T'f  ^^  '^'  ^"^"^«  °^  ^he  administra! 
tion,  that  the  best  mode  of  protecting  the  Atlantic  coast,  was 
to  threaten  Canada,  and  thus  compel  Great  Britain  to  conc^n! 
trate  the  greater  part  of  her  force  in  that  quarter.  WhileThe 
British  regulars,  it  has  since  been  ascertained,  exceeded  tvvenVy 
^ousand  nearly  all  veterans  ;  those  of  the  Americans  scarce  y 
reached  ten  thousand-the  whole  of  which  force,  distributed  n 

^ndf  r?  ^.'T"  "/•"'' r'^  "°^  have  afforded  much  de" 
pendence  for  defence  from  the  troops  which  would  have  been 

inLlrT  '^r^  u^  ^''-'' ^"'«'"  ^^»  ^«l'«^«d  from  ?he  de" 
fence  of  Canada.  It  is  very  questionable  whether  the  perma. 
rent  acquisition  of  that  province  would  materially  have  bene- 
fited  us.  Many  of  Us  inhabitants  were  persons  who  fled  from 
this  country  during  .r  contest  for  independence;  and  it  wS 
not  likely  that  they  would  willingly  consent  that  t  should  be 
incorporated  with  our  republic. 

an^t  T'  ^P^'-t^nt  results,  however,  followed  the  campaign 
on  the  Niagara.     The  character  of  American    troops  whS 

ductlvi'nr'  ^'""fu"'  ^^'  '^'''^y  ^^^^'°P«d  ;  and  was  pro" 
ductive  of  as  much  honour  to  the  United  States,  as  of  surprise 
to    he  enemy.     The  experience  gained  in  the  two  first  years 

during' '""'/'^TV^'"'^"'""'  *°  ^^'"^  good  officers;  but 
during  the  residue  of  the  period,  the  army  was  composed  of 
better  materials,  the  aversion  for  enlistment  was  gradually 
subsidmg,  arid  commissions  were  sought  by  young  men  of 

a  mv  Thf^h'  c'Tn  ^""^'^^^  r ^  "°"'^  h^^o  prod"  "d  an 
army,  which  Great  Britain  might  have  regarded  with  some 
uneasiness.  That  spirit,  which  bestows  supf riorky  to  man  in 
every  station,  was  beginning  to  discover  its  resisfless  powen 
fpvel  wit^r^  scenes  ef  this  campaign  placed  the  army  on  a 
level  with  the  navy.     What  is  tha^  snirif  ?     u  ;„  *i,-  .J..:.  _  n 

'^'^tZllJ'  "  ^^l^^'^^  gives- coitions  dignity l^^iS 
..  .he  soldier  and  the  citizen.     It  is  that  which  gave  victories 


>f  the  Campaign. 

2cted  that  any 
ping  in  check 
e  had  lost  on 
general  Brown 
h  commodore 
leighbourhood 
:^ingston ;  but 
a  change  had 
jreat  augmen- 
and  the  inva- 
lea  of  making 
on  foot,  was 
le  administra- 
ic  coast,  was 
in  to  concen- 
.     While  the 
:eeded  twenty 
3ans  scarcely 
distributed  in 
ed  much  de* 
d  have  been 
from  the  de- 
■  the  perma- 
1  have  bcne- 
ho  fled  from 
;  and  it  was 
it  should  be 

le  campaign 
Toops  when 
nd  was  pro- 
I  of  surprise 
I  first  years 
)fficers;  but 
Dmposed  of 
>  gradually 
ng  men  of 
)roduced  an 

with  some 
'  to  man  in 
less  power ; 

army  on  a 
e  spirit  of 

and  worth 
^Q  victories 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


201 


AfflkirtoftheWest. 


•  Cfoghan'a-M'Arthur'g  Expeditions 


plie.  of  ."he  BShTSonTMohacL:/"'™       ^f 
unfortunalely  surpr&d  by  a  very  supS  fr^'n^K        "''"' 


m 


262 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


ggi£!l^!lgi'C"'"t Commodore 


Barney'!  Flotilla. 


CHAPTER  XVIII. 


«a>o  e  «hrea.eneaXr:.r3irr' trroV^rraTw;^^^^^^^^^  ""^  «- 

.he  Enemy-BriUhbuS.rp^bS  Build  n^^p?"''"!''''''''"*'""  -'"'"•""'^<'  «° 

Sir  Pe.er  P.rker-Ke.ignation  of  the  Sel  a^  o  War-S  a  a!^'i  '  "•'"  '"""  "' 
eral  Winder.  ^      vvar-Tnal  and  Acquittal  of  Gen- 

Thb  shifting  scenes  of  this  war,  carried  on  ovpr  a  snrfn. 

back  to  the  Atlantic  sea  coast.     With  thp  rptnm  «ro    -^  l 
British  renewed  their  practice  of  pe^ty  n  undcr?nlnH t'' k^'  '^^ 
devastation  on  the  wafers  of  CheraXBa7;a^„5"to  an  extent 
still  greater  than  they  had  carried  it  the  yea?before    Iflot  fla 
for  the  defence  of  the  inlets  and  smaller  rivers  of  Ihe  bav   .1' 

schoonVr:;;n?o7^h?ci;t'rLT^^^^ 

rs"a?Tp  te^^^aTurnf  S^^^^^^^^^^  e^a^d"  the^^^  ^^^"V 
schooners  and  barges,  and  succeeded  in  Sg  them'offTnH 
inflicting  considerable  injury  on  them      In  a  W  1        1 
enemy    having  been  reinUed,  foUowed  the  flotHIa  S  St' 
Leonard's  creek,  and  made  another  attempt  on  it    hnf 
again  compelled  to  retire,  and  pursued  to  Sir  shipL'"onth: 
10th   the  enemy  made  a  still  more  formidable  attack  uDon  thP 
flotilla,  with  the  two  schooners  and  with  twenty  baSes    After  a 
smart  action,  the  barges  were  driven  for  sheltPr  fn  t?L   ■  y.} 

iftat  he.  cicw  ran  her  aground  and  abandoned  her     ThpVp 
attempts  were  frequently  repeated  until    the  26th,  when  the 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


263 

sols  of  which  were  fi^Jates  ?nd ^ft/''""'^''""'  '"'^  °^  '^«  ^««- 
drove  thorn  from  t^cfr  anchole  tT  ''''°"  °^.  '''°  '"^""' 
the  blockade,  of  the  St  Lron«?,r^  •  ?^  con^modore,  finding 
ed  the  Patuxcnt  "^  '  ™''*'^' '«''«''  o"N  nn<3  ascend" 

.nri"f;o!;'u;JdXS;--;-^  -  -aki"K 

lages  along  the  bav^,m  1 1       •     P'°  '^'^'^^  settlements  and  vil- 
diet  and  LowS  Sr  bo    uVh  r^p'T     ^""^  ^°""^  °^>"- 
of  considerable  quantities  of 'tuba.^o  ^  "'"^^"f'^ere  plundered 
In  the  detail  of  these  opcrat  on,  „;     '  ^'^''^'^""dize,  and  cattle, 
to  have  been  ihTuSTZTc:  \Vt?''^^^^^^ 
carry  away  the  tobacco  n^dZZVLt     7  '^,0  shipping, 
in  qtmntities,  and  induce  the  nlroos^^'ro  ,    .h"''  '^7  '^""^ 
number  ofindividuals  in  easy,  and  pvpn„ffl     ^'''"'     ^  ^rcat 
were  reduced  to  poverty.     Several  3(     .   "^"*  circumstances 
by  general  Taylorrand\renor  J  H       '  '^    -1"'^'''' ''^'■' "'^'^^ 
the  former  was  wounded  STnho^rf  ^'Z'''  '"  °""  °^  ^'''^^ 
capture,  to  repress  their  in^nr  "on    •'^i-^"^  narrowly  escaped 
the  mili'tia,  bei  J  hast  ly  asseXV  t  ^' r^'"'!!  '•  ^"''  SeneraUy, 
Kinsale,  St.  Marv'r„n^      ^       '  .'"''''^  ^°""d  inefficient.     A 

burnoblat;  dco^sirrablebootvinl'H'"  ''"''''  ^^'"•-'  ^oct 
hold  furniture.        '"''™^'^  ^^^'^  '»  tobacco,  negroes  and  house- 

^^r^^Zlll^'tl^^^^^^^^  ^San  to  be  en- 

object   of  attack-lelS  R  u-  '''^'^  '"'"^    '""''e    serious 

alarm  had  blen^St^  these  nT'''  ?u  ^^^^ington.  Much 
after  it  had  subsided  '"  *^'^?«.  P'«^^s  the  previous  year;    but 

mdulged  that  a  land  for  °P'"'°h'  P™^"'^'^  ^^"  ^°"»^ed  was 
then  ^t  the  co^d  of'h^S  i;  r^ldT^''^^''^''^^"  ^^ 
any  serious  impression  uporSttV  of  t- '-?"''  *°  '""''' 
upon  Annapolis  or  Norfolk      T;=,  ?'^''^''  °'*  ^^^n 

the  attack  upon  LZp '  *  J •  '  ^^^P'-^yf'-ularly  proved  in 

enemy  then  received  a  lesson  wf    T'"  ^"^f^  thought,  that  the 

of  attacking  the  art?  towns     t^ZT  ''"f'  H""  ^^"*'«"« 
currences  m  EnronP  b.d  nn/-    ,'^"^«"^^'en  and  unforeseen  oc 

Great  Brita.^ t^n^owl L  rltirfh'.t'' ^  '^"  °'  ''^'"=^^'- 
«sessed  of  the  year  before,  a  powSfu'^^  [and  IS"  'n'  ""'-  P°^' 
meut  received  certain  intelli™!  r  '^"^J°'^'=e-  ^^ur  govern- 
Bayard,  that  our  enemy  wafbou^  IT  ^'''''-  ?^"«^'"  «"d 
nients  to  America      SrtUSLll^^f.r^;-^"'  ^-nforce- 

J^i^a^sSrrfSn^  c;4t-r  ts 

Whole  m/it  orbeingX^^;^^- "^f^^^^^^^^^ 


flii 


i 


264 


BUACKICNUIDUE'S 


_Waihington  and  Baltimore  threaloned Preparotloni  for  nefonce- 


believed  herself  the  mistress  of  the  world.     She  was  well  ac 
»  quainted  with  our  situation :  she  knew  that  onr  regular  troops 
on  the  Canada  frontier  could  not  be  withdrawn  from  thence,  at 
a  moment  when  she  was  prcpii  ring  a  powerful  army  to  penetrate 
our  1   )rtliern  states ;  and  that  it  was  impossible  for  us,  in  the 
short  space  of  time  which  had  elapsed  since  the  overthrow  of 
Bonaparte  and  the  consequent  rrlease  of  her  land  troops  from 
occupution,  to  embody  a  considerable  and  efficient  force.     Tho 
American  cities,  although  tolerably  well  fortiHed  against  any 
approach  by  water,  were  all  exposed  to  attack  by  land.   A  few 
thousand  regulars  scattered  along  a  coast  of  fifteen  hundred 
miles,  and  inexperienced  militia  drawn  together  on  the  spur  of 
the  occasion,  were  all  the  force  we  had  to  oppose  to  the  veto 
ran  soldiers  of  our  enemy.     There  is  no  doubt  that  militia 
constitute  the  best  materials  for  armies,  because,  individually, 
each  man  is  influenced  by  higher  motives  than  those  which 
generally  actuate  the  enlisted  soldier ;  but,  in  order  to  be  effi- 
cient,  to  use  the  words  of  n  great  friend  of  this  species  of 
force,  «'  thoy  must  be  on  a  right  foot ;"  they  must  be  encamped, 
disciplined,  harmonised,  accustomed  to  see  danger,  and  taught 
to  obey  and  confide  in  their  officers.     This  is  not  the  work  of 
a  day.     In  the  open  field,  where  active  and  practised  evolutions 
are  necessary,  the  novelty  of  the  duty,  as  well  as  the  want  of 
mutual  reliance,  renders  it  impossible  for  this  description  of 
force  to  encounter,  with  effect,  an  army  of  veterans,  used  to 
dangers,  and  so  regularly  compacted  by  discipline  as  to  act 
as  it  were  with  one  mind. 

The  attention  of  the  president  of  the  United  States  being 
seriously  awakened  to  the  approaching  danger,  by  the  newl 
that  reinforcements  were  to  be  sent  to  the  British  fleet  then  in 
Chesapeake  Bay,  he  called  a  council  of  the  heads  of  the  depart- 
ments,  and  suggested  the  propriety  of  collecting  all  the  regu- 
Jars  within  reach,  of  forming  a  camp  of  at  least  three  thou 
sand  men  at  some  point  between  the  Patuxent  and  the  Eastern 
Branch  of  the  Potomac,  and  of  embodying  ten  thousand  militia 
at  Washington.     These  ideas  appeared  to  meet  the  approbation 
ot  all ;  and  there  is  little  doubt,  that  could  they  have  been  car- 
ried  into  execution,  both  the  cities  of  Baltimore  and  Washing. 
^  ton  might  safely  have  bid  defiance  to  the  British  arms.     Steps 
were  immediately  taken  in  furtherance  of  these  views.   Renuisi- 
tions  were  made  on  the  District  of  Columbia,  for  her  whole 
quota  of  mihtia,  amounting  to  two  thousand  men ;  on  Mary- 
land  for  the  same,  six  thousand  men ;  on  Pennsylvania  for  five 
thousand  men  ;  and  on  Virginia  for  two  thousand  men  :  making 
in  the  whole  fifteen  thousand  men ;  of  which  ten  thousand,  it 


II  for  Defancc. 

)  was  well  ac- 
regular  troopa 
rom  thence,  at 
ny  to  penetrate 
for  us,  in  the 
1  overthrow  of 
d  troops  from 
It  force.     The 
i  against  any 
r  land.    A  few 
fteen  hundred 
in  the  spur  of 
J  to  the  vete 
•t  that  militia 
,  individually, 
1  those  which 
let  to  be  efTi- 
lis  species  of 
be  encamped, 
If,  and  taught 
t  the  work  of 
3ed  evolutions 
I  the  want  of 
lescription  of 
rans,  used  to 
ine  as  to  act 

States  being 
by  the  news 
fleet  then  in 
af  the  depart- 
all  the  regu- 
:  three  thuu 
the  Eastern 
usand  militia 
;  approbation 
ve  been  car- 
id  Washing, 
rms.     Steps 
V9,   Requisi- 
r  her  whole 
;  on  Mary, 
ania  for  five 
en :  making 
thousand,  it 


HISTOUY  OF  THE  WAR. 


General  Winder . 


■  ■■••/>'■  •Hjiieciing  a 

was  thought,  would  not  fail  to  tnk77»,"~riT     r 

tamed,  that  about  a  thousand  reg  hn  tjd  t  '  ""^,  T'" 
besides  a  squadron  of  horse  then  in  P  be.depenrled  on  ; 

tional  regullirs  which  wore  ovW  "  ' ''""«y'v«"'.-'.  some  addi- 
commodfre  Harness  nrni'c::^:,""^^:'!?  ^'r""",  and 
to  abandon  h.s  flotdla.   Th  s  on  nnn  '^  ^  '^""^  necessary 

but,  with  the  exception  o  t.e  Jeffi  "f.!''  T'^'".'«  "'"'"^  = 
was  to  be  composed  wero  at  tho.V  I  '  "l''^'"'  "'^'^'^J'  '"' 
them  at  a  considerable  di.fln.      "^^^f  «''vc  homes-many  of 

ofStonyCreek,Stt"haTrremv'be?''t'^'  "'-'•' 
duties  assigned  to  him  were  aLX  th™  ?•  '^''"''""8'-  The 
to  anyone  during  the  wl  and  ',  ™°^' ''^P^'"'""' ^nt^'-^ted 
duous  and  difficulT  ni-ro      tk  "^  "^  ""^  exceedingly  ar- 

defend  the  impSnt  c" itiJs'of M  "'"^'  'ft  "^'^'^  »>«  ^^"^  to 
only  in  prospect;  and  vSheH^S  L  b^'t^^^^"' ^^'^'^^ 
or  not,  depended  upon  events  bevonH  w  ^'°"Sht  mto  the  field 
to  himself,  it  is  to  be  re're  ted  Sf  in^r"''"  "     ^"  •'"«»'«« 
he  had  not  declined  the  command    t:V^T^-  ^"•^"•"«tances, 
and  a  sincere  wish  to  serrh^«  .  '  ^     '''^  ^"^""^  of  distinction 
sonal  consideratbn,  he  fclv  !:{  ''''T^}^^^^  ''''y  P^^- 
rnomentofhisappontLntTvfslH?    -'^''^  ^""'"'^'  '"'•°'"  ^he 
try  and  examiniig  inifTerent  fo    2"  T'^  ^^''  °^  *^«  ^o""" 
considerable  labour  and  1 11/7      ''^'•?''"-'^'^'^  '^  ^^o^k  of 
force.     In  this  latter  unHTw  I      '"  assiduously  collecting  his 
ourred.     Thrgove  nor  of  mI"^',"^'/"^^^^^^^  difficulties^c! 

three  thousand^men  foLd  tlttarcll""''" '""'"?  '^''^^^'^  «>r 
be  collected.    With  the  gover^^^^^^^^  ^'  T"^  ^""^^ed  could 

still  worse:  he  inform  ffh.  .""'y'''""'^' "^'^"^rs were 

quence  of  the  deranged  state  ofT'^-r '•  T'  '^'''  '"  -"««■ 
had  at  that  rnoment  no  poter  to  enf^T"'"'"  'r'  '^^  ^•^^'  "^'^^ 
he  would  appeal  to  the  paTriotism  o^T  ^  ^T^^''  ^'^^  '*'"' 
that  the  lega'l  objection  w'o  fnoT  be  mad^'^t'  '"  !^  ""'^^ 
men  were  thus  at  once  out  of  the  auesHnn  ^  '  u  '^°""""'^ 
'ng  eight  thousand  men  not  mnltK  '  ^""^  '"'  '^^  '"*''"«'"- 
relied  on.  At  the  bS-iLn°  nr  r  ^^".""^•^''''''^  ^°"ld  be 
thousand  regulars!  actS^ f XIT^h'^^^^'  ^«^  ^"^  ^ 

then  embodied  at  Anna^^wi:  bTtL^S  Afg^S! 


256 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Arrival  of  Reinforcementg  to  tl.e  Bntish Landing  of  the  Britiah  Army. 

nor,  taken  as  part  of  the  state  requisition.   A  brigade  of  Marv- 
Jand  mihtia,  under  general  Stansbury,  was  also  placed  at  the 
disposal  of  general  Winder;  but  the  inhabitants  of  Baltimore 
near  which  city  it  was  collected,  recollecting  their  own  exposed 
situation,  could  not  part  with  it  without  reluctance. 

This  is  a  candid  statement  of  the  causes  which  produced  the 
subsequent  disaster;  for  in  the  circumstances  the  event  could 
scarcely  have  happened  otherwise  than  as  it  did,  without  the 
occurrence  of  one  of  those  extraordinary  turns  of  fortune  of 
which  we  can  form  no  calculation.  It  would  be  wrong  to  chaWo 
he  blame,  which  vyas  justly  due,  exclusively  to  the  agents  in 
the  aflair.  A  portion  must  be  assumed  by  the  nation!  and  bv 
our  political  institutions.  >  « 'u  uy 

The  expected  reinforcements  to  the  British  fleet,  twenty-one 
^iJl  line,  under  admiral  Cochrane,  arrived  in  Chesapeake 
Bay  on  the  16th  of  August,  and  were  soon  joined  by  a  fleet  in 
great  force  under  admiral  Malcolm.  Accompanyincr  these  were 
several  thousand  land  troops,  under  one  of  Wellington's  most 
active  officers,  general  Ross.  An  expedition  was  destined 
against  Baltimore  or  Washington,  but  until  the  last  moment  it 
was  uncertain  agamst  which  in  particular.  The  enemy  divided 
his  force  into  three  parts.  One  division  was  sent  up  the  Poto- 
ST/tv  k'  ^^P'*^'"  Gordon,  for  the  purpose  of  bombarding 
1  ort  Warburton,  and  opening  the  way  to  the  city  of  Washine° 
ton;  and  another,  under  sir. Peter  Parker,  was  despatched  to 
threaten  Baltimore.     The  main  body,  whose  proceedings  we 

^Zmr  V?  ?'  ^'"^"'^"'^  ^^^  P^'"-"^"''  apparently  witli  the 
ntention  of  destroying  commodore  Barney's  flotilla,  which  had 
taken  refuge  at  the  head  of  that  river,  but  with  the  real  inten- 
tion,  as  It  was  soon  discovered,  of  attacking  Washington.  In 
prosecution  of  this  plan,  the  expedition  proceeded  to  Benedict, 
nnh^pJ      T^  navigation.     This  place,  on  the  west  bank 

th.  n  f?  Tk'  Tt  T'^'^  °"  '^^  ^^^^  of  August;  and  on 
the  next  day  the  debarkation  of  the  land  forces  under  general 
Ross,  to  the  number  of  six  thousand,  wa.  completed.  On  the 
-fist,  pursuing  the  course  of  the  river,  the  troops  moved  to  Not- 
ingham,  and  on  the  22d  arrived  at  Unper  Marlborough  ;  a  flo- 
^hrTr'^'H^  of  launches  and  barges,  under  the  cor^mandof 

thorn  Thn'r' .f''"^'"^u*^^  "''"'■  ^"'^  '^^^^^^"g  pace  with 
them.  The  day  following,  the  flotilla  of  commodore  Barney, 
in  obedience  to  orders  to  that  effect,  was  blown  up  by  men  left 
for  the  purpose ;  the  cc  imodore  having  already  joined  general 
Hinder  with  his  seamen  and  marino«- 

twS"'""''-!  ^'fu  ^'  '^'1  *™^'  '"^^"  the  enemy  were  within 
twenty  miles  of  the  ca^  ,al,  was  at  the  head  of  only  three  thou- 


e  British  Army. 

gade  of  Mary. 

placed  at  the 

of  Baltimore, 

ir  own  exposed 

;e. 

1  produced  the 
e  event  could 
d,  without  the 
of  fortune,  of 
rong  to  charge 
the  agents  in 
lation,  and  by 

3t,  twenty-one 
n  Chesapeake 
i  by  a  fleet  in 
ng  these  were 
ington's  most 
was  destined 
1st  moment  it 
inemy  divided 

up  the  Poto- 
bombarding 

of  Washing- 
despatched  to 
Jceedings  we 
ntly  with  the 
la,  which  had 
le  real  inten- 
hington.  In 
I  to  Benedict, 
e  west  bank 
ust;  and  on 
nder  general 
ed.  On  the 
loved  to  Not- 
rough  ;  a  flo- 
command  of 
ig  pace  with 
ore  Barney, 

by  men  left 
ined  general 

were  within 
three  thou- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


GenoraJ  Ross . 


J —  "-."..ii  nrmy  on  Washington 

Virginia  detach mentrha™  not'  tf  "!,  ^^.^PoUs,  and  the 

the  Woodyard,  twelve  miir/  A.^^'f^-  ^''  '^^'"P  ^vas  at 
doubtful  whethe  the  p™  SnnrnH  h'''""^''^"-  ^'  ^^'  «^'» 
Warburton,  which  could  offer  bultr  '"'''^  "P°"  ^°^' 
land  forces,  although  it   could    hJ  r      Z  r?''^'^"^^  to  their 

or  intended  to  ".arclTdiLXltlrnl'^^  'W'^t  f'>«' 
certamly  the  safer  course  nP  a.*;    '^'^ ''^"'"gfon-     The  first  was 

take  it,  it  must  iJ  inferred  Lt  A'  '"'^  ^'  'S*^  ^"^'"^^  ^'^  not 
the  incapacity  of  the  cTtv  A  "h  i  -  ""'''  ^^^  acquainted  with 
On  the  afternoon  oTthfi^tn^'T'''  '°  '''''''  ^"  «"ack. 
after  skirmishing  wi  h  til  aIw^  '''.'rj^S^'"  '^'  «»^«nd 
miles  in  advanc^of  ^e^XlS,  t''^  n' ^'^^  "'^^^^' ^^^ 
now  retreated  to  a  place  called  ft  OH^p"  ..^^"^''a'  ^Vinder 
Bladensburg,  the  briE  on  tt  Fn^  ^if  Ids,  which  covered 
mac,  and  Fort  Warburton      Pnl      .  m"  ^'^"'^  °^  ^'^^  Po^o- 

state,  and  subsequen  ,rp*resfdent  oftrn'-l^' T"'^'-^  °^ 
been  with  him  for  sevnrai  ^  ■       '^""*^^    ^^ates,  had 

sel,  and  activel7en1Zd  .n  ^/'  "''''•'"?  ^"^  ''''^  ^is  ^oun- 
he  was  now  iokied  hf ,h  reconnoitermg  the  enemy;  and 

who  remai^eSlttn^^e^r  ^^  ^~t  ^ 

ful  situation  of  the  senerTrfZ      a^I-    "^ »« .''"•'"°"'^  •'*"d  pain- 

hy  the  counsel  of  fhTStoffi-r^^ 

uneasiness,  in  the  urlncv  of  th  ^ '^'^  "?''°"'  «"d  theil 
hazard  their  opfnions^  pe?han,  ^nn '?°T''  '"'^'^^^^  '^'"^  ^o 
executive.     Where  nrlimnt  7  ^''^'y'  °"  ™^"«'-«  P»rely 

tions  and  expeStr^  tCmLrdT"^'  '^  ''^^'' 
good.  On  the  23d  coIoppI  -^n^H^  T  ■  ^Z  '""''^  ''^^  than 
with  some  field  Sees  and^^^^^^^ 

son  and  Stull,  toEmish  w  th  thrP'""'  °^^«P^^'««  ^avid- 
tinued  to  advance  and  tnorl  ^\':'^^"'y'  ^^ho  however  con- 
same  day,  within' three  mile^  ffS' p"  m'^  T^^S  °^  ^he 
of  a  night  attack,  which  wo  Td  dep^e  Wm  of  u:^PP^^'^«"«'v« 
nority  m  cannon,  general  Wimirr V  r  aT  /  ^'?  S'"^^*  supe- 
to.  select  a  positiof  betll  ft  Vnd  '^1^  '^^  '"'^^  T^'^^S 
m.ght  oppose  the  enemy  w'S  his  wholetrt"""^'  "'^"  ^« 

immediately  despatched  hf,'  if/  ""^'^  ^.''^"'"S  march,  and  , 
intelligence  to  geS  Winder  'n'"T''  ^°<?dy^«^'  >vith  the  ^ 
was  joined  hv  ^TJ!^^^'^.%\'    .9"^?.  ^Z^nmg  followincr,  he 


268 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


American  Army  takes  post  at  Bladensburg. 


twelve  o'clock  at  night,  the  secretary  of  state  arrived  at  the 
general's  quarters,  and  communicating  the  circumstance  of  the 
enemy  s  advance  on  general  Winder,  advised  him  to  fall  in 
tne  enemy's  rear  immediately ;  but  the  general  objected,  on 
the  score  of  having  been  ordered  to  this  post,  and  besides,  that 
his  men  were  so  much  harassed  and  fatigued  by  their  march 
(a  considerable  portion  having  only  just  arrived),  that  it  would  bo 
impracticable.  During  the  ni^ht  several  false  alarms  were  given, 
by  which  the  troops  were  prevented  from  taking  the  repose 
they  so  much  required,  after  fatigues  to  which  the  greater  part 
of  them  were  unaccustomed.     On  the  receipt  of  the  intelli- 
gence  of  general  Winder's  retreat,  general  Stansbury,  on  consul, 
tation  with  his  officers,  determined  to  move  towards  the  city. 
Before  day  he  crossed  the  bridge  over  the  Eastern  Branch  of 
the  Potomac,  and  after  securing  his  rear,  halted  for  a  few  hours. 
Early  m  the  morning  he  again  movod  forward,  with  the  view  of 
taking  possession  of  some  grouiid  for  defence,  when  orders 
were   received   from   general   Winder  to  give   battle   to  the 
enemy  at  Bladensburg ;  he  therefore  retraced  his  steps,  and 
between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock  halted  his  troops  in  an  orchard 
field,  to  the  left  of  the  road  from  Washington  to  that  place. 
The  enemy  were  then  within  three  miles  of  him,  and  in  full 
march. 

The  best  arrangements  the  time  would  permit  were  made. 
About  five  hundred  yards  from  the  bridge,  the  artillery  from 
Baltimore,  consisting  of  six  six-pounders,  under  the  command 
of  captains  Myer ,  and  Magruder,  were  posted  behind  a  kind  of 
breastwork ;  and  major  Pinkney's  riflemen  were  placed  in  am- 
bush to  the  right  and  left,  so  as  to  annoy  the  enemy  when  at- 
tempting to  cross  the  stream,  and  at  the  same  time,  in  conjunc- 
n^u   ^u-Au^D^^^'"  ^°"ghty's  company,  to  support  the  artillery. 
Ihe  l-itlh  Baltimore  regiment  was  drawn  up  ibout  fifty  yards 
m  the  rear ;  and  afterwards,  perhaps  injudiciously,  removed 
much  further.     The  other  parts  of  the  brigade  were  also  so  dis- 
posed,  as  to  support  the  artillery,  and  annoy  the  enemy  in  his 
approach.     Shortly  after  this  disposition  was  made,  lieutenant- 
co  onel  Beall  arrived  with  a      it  five  hundred  men  from  Anna- 
polls,  and  was  posted  higher  up  in  a  wood  on  the  right  o.  the  road. 
General  Winder  having,  by  this  time,  brought  up  his  main 
body,  had  formed  it  in  the  rear  of  Stansbury's  brigade,  and  in 
a  line  witn  Beall's  detachment,  and  the  heavy  artillery  under 
commodore  Barney  posted  to  the  right  on  an  eminence  near  the 
roaa=     inis  line  hnd  scarcely  been  ibrrncd,  when  the  engage- 
ment commenced.     The  president,  with  the  heads  of  the  depart- 
ments, who  had  until  now  been  present,  withdrew  ;  as  he  con 


m  conjunc- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  AV^AR. 


259 


Battle  of  Bladensbarg. 


»I..ch  could  no  longer  be  brought  (o  bear  upoTthem       „  l7; 

0  1      tW  utro^dSr  ^^^^V^'^  "^  confusion  and  Is! 

Thus  thpfirTir  ''""'^'l"^"*'^  °^the  retreat  of  militia, 

t  llerv  Jad  h  fir'  T'  ?T^^'''^^  .^°"^^'^-  ^he  Baltimore  a?- 
On  he  ril  tbne/BpJl'"  '  ^^'''r  '^[S^^^  "P  °"  ^he  hill, 
had  thrown  forw3„l.'r'"u"^'"g  ^^^  Annapolis  militia, 
whVh  ^ft    '•''^^^^d  a  small  detachment  under  colonel  Kramer 

abl  tmurv'toTh?'"""^  '^-  §r "^  '^^^^^  ^™«  with  conSe  -' 

retZfThl^dl^rir^':^^^^^^^^  '"^^  ^.^'^y-  On  the 
nit<:.  ..^oj       J        -11..1.  ..f,  inc  cntruij  advanced  alone  the  turn. 

progress^waV  ch^S.d  f  e.ghteen-pounder,  by  which  thi; 
P    oress  was  checked;  and  m  several  subsequent  attempt*  to 


ii 


*«;■ 


260 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Battle  of  Bladensburg Defeat  of  the  Americans. 


pass  the  battery,  they  were  repulsed  with  great  loss.  In  con- 
sequence of  this,  they  attempted  to  flank  the  commodore's 
right,  by  passing  through  an  open  field ;  but  this  was  frustrated 
by  captam  Miller  of  the  marines,  with  three  twelve-pounders, 
and  the  men  of  the  flotilla  acting  as  infantry.  After  being  thus 
kept  m  check  for  half  an  hour,  the  enemy  succeeded  in  out- 
flanking the  right  of  the  battery ;  and  pressed  upon  the  militia 
ot  Annapchs,  who  fled,  aflrr  giving  an  ineffectual  fire.  Thp 
command  of  commodore  Barney  was  now  left  to  maintain  the 
contest  alone  :  but  the  enemy  no  longer  appeared  in  front ;  he 
continued  to  outflank,  pushing  forward  a  few  scattering  sharps 
shooters,  by  which  the  commodore  was  wounded,  ant.  his  horse 
killed  under  him.  His  corps  was  by  tin  ^  time  outflanked  on 
both  smes ;  two  of  his  principal  office'  were  killed,  and  two 
others  wounded;  and,  in  the  confusion,  the  ammunition  wagons 
had  been  driven  off".  His  men  therefore  retreated,  leaving 
their  pieces  m  the  hands  of  the  enemy.  The  commodore  himt 
self,  after  retiring  a  short  distance,  fell,  exhausted  by  loss  of 
blood,  to  the  grouri  Being  taken  prisoner  by  the  enemy.  Tie 
was  treated  with  that  courtesy  which  his  gallantry  merited, 
and  received  the  immediate  attendance  of  their  surgeons. 

The  Georgetown  and  City  militia  and  the  regulars,  still  re- 
mained firm,  having  been  stationed  in  the  rear  of  the  second 
line,  in  positions  the  most  convenient  for  annoying  the  enemy 
and  supporting  the  other  c'orp^^     These  being  in  danger  every 
moment  of  being  outflanked,  orders  were   sent  to  them   to 
retreat  towards  the  city.     After  retiring  a  few  hundred  paces 
as  directed,  they  were  joined  by  a  regiment  of  Virginia  militia, 
which  had  F  rived  the  evening  before,  but  had  not  been  ready 
until  now  to  fake  the  field.     General  Winder  still  entertained 
hopes  of  being  able  to  rally  his  troops,  and  of  fighting  the 
enemy  between  this  r'ace  and  Washington.     He  had  ordered 
the  Baltimore  artillery  to  move  on  towards  the  city ;  and  ex- 
pected to  find  that  Stansbury's  command  had  fallen  down  the 
road  to  that  place.    With  the  view  of  making  another  struggle  to 
save  the  capital,  he  rode  forward  for  the  purpose  of  selecting 
a  position ;  but  he  soon  found  that,  instead  of  proceeding  towards 
Washington,  they  had  scattered  in  every  direction.     It  after- 
wards appeared,  that  the  greater  part  had  fled  towards  Mont- 
gomery  Courthouse.     The  City  and  Georgetown  militia  were 
thus  compelled  to  retire,  without  having  had  the  slightest  op- 
portunity ^of  defending  their  homes  and  their  firesides.      On 
his  arrival  at  the  city,  general  Winder  was  met  by  the  secre- 
tary at  war  and  the  secretary  of  state ;  and  after  a  conRulta- 
tion,  It  was  agreed,  that,  with  the  small  remains  of  the  army, 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


261 


it  was  in  vain  to  think  of  making  a"^t^iidlh^    It  wn,  tKo.. 
<le  sho  tTf°.'  ,1     ""']*  '"  '^  """"o  of  Bladensburg  was  lit- 

lor  a  time,  Iho  monument,  of  Brilish  barbarity.    Al'  the  n nhli, 
S 'S'lt'lrT'™  "'■*»  P"'™'  office.  sSh' 

no  leiJ  at  1  r.poli.     The  plundering  of  private  houses  was  not 


I'- 


ll -4 


863 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


J'i^^!^i?L!!l!L:'^'!Wing^^ . .  •  ■ . . .  Plunder  of  AJ^IIi;^ 


.  carried  on  to  the  extent  that  might  have  been  expected,  proba- 
bl>  from  the  shortness  of  the  time  during  which  the  Ctish 
reniamed  On  the  evening  of  the  i^MlowiSg  day,  the  25^  of 
August,  they  retreated  from  Washin  ton 

It  being  now  conjectured  that  the  "enemy  meant  to  proceM 
mmed.ateiy  to  Baltimore,  the  inhabitants  of  tha':  place  were 
thrown  into  the  greatest  consternation,  u  ueling  w)hA  the  Trr? 
va.  of  the  city  mlitiairom  the  field  o^  LaUle  ^sl^  '^l 
,  allay      Notsvitlistandmg  tins  disheartening  panic,  the  <  itize-V 
rc^c  ;ng  all  thoughts  of  capitulation,  prep^.^  themseh  "t^lS 
gen. !■  !ls  bmith  and  Strieker,  'o  oppose  the  enemy  •  and  1^.11 
Foba.uiy    they  would  have  rna^  that  d^e  l^s  a.^" 
Mau^    renders  ir,.x;,onenoed  troops,  when  fighting  for  thei^^ 
families  and  Jne.r  iy  .nes,  .vi,!^rior  even  fo  veterans.  These  mea'. 
sures  proved  to  he  u...ce.s.  v  Lowev<:r.  General  Ross  re^ 
over^tlM.  .un^e  road  hy  wh^ch  ht  had  advanced.     He  d  d  S 
reach  Boned.ct  until  ti,e   evening  of  the  27th  ,•  and  in  such 
^haggling  contusion  wa,  thi.  movement  effected,  that  hil  troops 
wore  the  appearance  of  a  vanquished  rather  than  a  vttSs 

The  squadron  under  captain  Gordon,  that  division  of  the 
enemy's  fleet  which  ascended  the  Potomac,  and  consfstin.  of 
eight  sail,  passed  Fort  Warburton  two  days  after  the  ret  "at  of 

";^  blown  unT'  W^f  !"gi?-  The  fort^ad  been  abSoned 
and  blown  up  by  captain  Dyson,  the  commandant,  in  a  most 
extraordinary  manner;  probably  under  the  influ;nce  of  the 
oreaafiil  panic  which  generally  prevailed.  His  orders  had 
bee  n  'o  abandon  it  only  in  case  of  an  attack  by  land  forces 
but  o.  a  mere  rumour,  and  without  M'aiting  the  enemy's  an-' 
proach,  he  thought  proper  to  take  this  measure.  OnThe  29'h 
.be  squadron  reached  Alexandria;  and  the  inhabitants  of  that 
place,  being  completely  in  the  power  of  the  enemy,  offered 

Pi  Ce       Th  P'^^^^^tr  °^  ^'^  '''""  ^''•^"^  conflagr^ation  a'd 
pillage.      The   insatiable   avarice   of  the   latter  imnosed  thf> 
hardest  conditions :  all  the  merchandize  then  in    he^town  as 
well  as  a  I  which  had  been  removed  thence  since  the  19th,  was 
required  to  be  put  on  board  the  shipping  at  the  wharf,  at  heTx 
pense  of  the  inhabitants,  and,  together  with  the  shipping,  includ- 
•ng  those  vessels  which  had  been  sunk  on  the  apLroath  of  the 
enemy,  and  the  public  and  private  naval  and  ordnance  stores  to 
be  udivered  up  to  the  enemy.  These  terms,  somewhat  modified 
were  complied  with  ;  and  captain  Gordon  moved  down  the  rive 
with  a  fleet  of  prize  vesP-el.  .-.nd  a  rich  booty.     In  the  mean- 
time,  preparations  had  been  hastily  made  by  the  navalSs 
captains  Porter  and  Perry,  tc  .   4w  difficulties  in  the  wa^l 


I 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


203 


Mezandria. 

lected,  proba- 
h  the  British 
r,  the  25th  of 

It  to  proceed 
»t  place  were 
iiich  the  arri- 

fiot  likely  to 
.  the  citizor  :^, 
iseK-s  under 
y;  and  in  a\\ 
to  rosistaiii  e 
ing  for  their 

These  mea- 
loss  returned 

He  did  not 
and  in  such 
lat  his  troops 

a  victorious 

ision  of  the 
onsisting  of 
be  retreat  of 
1  abandoned 
I  in  a  most 
3nce  of  the 
orders   had 
and  forces ; 
nemy's  ap- 
►n  the  29th, 
mts  of  that 
my,  offered 
gration  and 
mposed  the 
le  town,  as 
e  19th,  was 
f,  at  the  ex- 
ing,  includ- 
)ach  of  the 
;e  stores,  to 
it  modified, 
'n  the  river 
the  inean- 
val  heroes 
he  way  ^y 


_Rf'pulse  of  ilieBritish  at  Moors  Fields  . 

his  desicnt, 

.  WUi,    assist; -li 

»i5i!itia,  a.i  ' 
h'Htery 


•  Regignationof  tlie  Secrctari'  of  War. 


t.  If 


fhe  first,  at  the  battery  of  the  White  Housp, 
by  general    Ilungerford's    brigade    of  Virginia 
^.pta.n  Humphreys's  rifle  company;  and  ar  the 
,.'"'^'"»  Head,  captam  Perry  was  supported  bv  (ho 
brigade  oi  general  Stewart,  and  the  voluntoer^companies  of 
major  Peter  and  captain  Burch.     From  the  3d  unTthe  6?h 
of  September,  the    British  vessels  were    greatly  annoved   in 
passmg  thesc^  batteries.     Frequent  attem,l't7dest  oy'tem 
fi;;v.;:l     h*^^  ^y  commodore  Rodgers,  by  means  of  smaH 
S;lu.!      Vh    '  ""'""^  '"  ^  "^"Se  of  wind,  they  proved  in 
(f  Ltual.      These  respective  forces  were  afterwards  concen- 
hii  .  "'  ,"°'""?«dore  Rodgers,  at  Alexandria  ;  whicl^pfac^ 
he  determined  to  defend,  should  the  enemy,  who  was  nofvet 

°"S>  S;  P  ';'  "^^1"'  '^'^"^^y'  think,pr;per  to  retu^  '' 

S.r  Peter  Parker,  who  ascended  the  'Chesapeake,  was  not 

so  fortunate  as  the  other  ofHcers.     He  landed  at  ni<.ht  in  ff?^ 

ne.ghbourhood  of  Moors  Fields,  with  the  v1  t  of  S  isfng  ^ 

Keid.     In  tnis  he  was  disappointed,  for  the  militia,  havin<.  heard 
the  approacli  of  the  barges,  were  prepared  to  receive  h"m.     S  r 

hSed^ri  M ''''  '"«^«V°'-""''^  ^^  '""^  ^-d  of  a™ut  two 
vardrnf  tS    A  ^  •""'"'  ^"'^'  °"  ^PProaching  within  seventy 
>ards  of  the  Americans,  was  received  with  a  heavy  fire      Hp 
endeavoured  to  press  forward  on  the  centre  of  thT  fine-  but 
being  foiled  in  this  he  threw  himself  on  the  flank,  wheTe'aiso 
he  was  repulsed.     Colonel  Reid,  being  informed  that  the  am 
munition  was  nearly  expended,  ordered  his   men  to  retire    [ 
small  distance  until  they  could  procure  a  supply.    InThe  n  ean 
.me   the  British  having  suffered  severe  loss,^thought  p  oper" 
to  retire ;  carrying  with  them  the  wounded.     Amon|  the  lat^e 
was  sir  Peter  Parker,  who    died  shortly  afterwards    creaL 
lamented  by  his  countrymen,  and  much  respected  by  uf.^ 
tin?  fu'^P  r  °^,^^il«h.ngton  excited  the  most  painful  sensa- 
Zl\T^^tT\  ^'^t  United  States;  and  the  indignation  of  the 
people,  at  first  levelled  against  the  whole  administration  wa. 
soon  concentrated  on  the  secretary  of  war  and  general  Win Jer 
Against  the  former,  the  cry  was  every  where  so  loud    that  the 

Ev'of'su°"'  ?'T  °';P'-"d<^"-«'  intimated  to  him  the  pro! 
pne ty  of  suspending  his  functions  for  a  time.  This  his  pride 
would  not  permit  him  to  do;  and  he  therefore  resigned      h 

ed'thSt'hetd ^'  r"^"^^  '^"7  °^  ^^"^^^'  «°-'  -H'^eTub  ish 
f,i  ^^'^l}'^^^^  "«'  conceived  the  idea  of  attacking  Wnsh^ncr. 

nLml\irof"it"''H'?"  "]''''  °'^  '*'  ^"'  ''^'^^^  ^«  h^d  received 
miormation  of  its  defenceless  state ;  and  that  the  destruction 

of  commodore  Barney's  flotilla  had  been  his  real  and  sole  X 


I 


% 


W\ 


% 


264 


BRACKEN  RIDGE'S 


__?!!!!!?lWn^eiltr^^  "f  Washington." 

ject  It  was,  notwithstanding,  an  act  of  unp^^^ed  rashrii^ 
ana  Irom  which  no  commensurate  advantage  was  to  be  gained 
So  great  was  the  improbability  of  such  an  attempt,  that  the 
secretary  at  war,  u  is  said,  could  not  be  persuaded  until  the 
last  moment,  that  it  was  seriously  intended.  General  AVinder 
demanded  an  examination  of  his  cooducf,  and  a  court,  of  which 
general  Scott  was  president,  acquitted  him  honourably. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 


E^^rTT''"'"^  "'"'"'  ^""'"'^  of  Washington  in  Europe  and  In  England- 

-AdmS  cofr'  '"  '"'  ''"""'  «'="— P-PO-'ionB  for  the  Defence  of  Baf Sre 

Admiral  Cochrane  appears  at  the  mouth  of  the  Patapsco-Debarkalion  of  the  Brit 

S,h  A  '•"""-Death  of  General  Ross-Retreat  of  the  American  Army- 

B     .sh  Army  appears  before  Bal,imore-Bombardn>ent  of  Fort  MHenry-I.tacTon 
ern  F^oTti! T"''''-"";"""  ^'"'^ '''""" '" '"«  ^-'  rndies-Affair  on  tt   Nort  " 

Drpl»r*'°^  """"""'  ''"^'^"^  by  General  Macomb-Brit.sh  Army  occu! 
Briul  h'*/"'^'"''  '""  '""'"'""'  Works-Gallant  Affair  of  Captain  MGIas"  a 
Bau  ;p;i»l"'""n  f '  °"  '"""'  Champlain-Battle  of  Lake  ChamS- 
Battleof  Plattsburg-Defeatof  the  British  Squadron  and  Capture  of  its  Diincioal 
Vessels-Retreat  of  the  British  Army  from  the  American  Terri^ry!  '^        '^^ 

The  capture  of  Washington  was,  at  first,  exulted  in  by  the 
British  ministry,  as  a  most  signal  exploit;  but  it  was  viewed 
m  a  very  different  light  on  the  continent' of  Europe  aTd  by 
the  British  nation  at  large.  To  say  nothing  of  the  prosecution 
of  hostilities  with  augmented  rigour  during  the  negotiation  of  a 
treaty  for  peace,  the  acts  of  wanton  barbarity  whk^h  accompa- 
nied  them  aroused  general  indig'nation.  In  the  British  parlia- 
ment,  so  great  a  sensation  was  excited,  that  the  perpre  rators 
iTu  "  '°/^,«'^^':  themselves  from  odium  by  the  basest 
falsehoods,  and  the  ministry  stated  that  instructions  had  been 
sent  to  the  coast  of  America  to  desist  from  further  inflictions  of 
vengeance. 

But  if  the  effect  was  powerful  abroad,  it  was  overwhelminff 
throughout  the  United  States.  Party  soirit  insf«n.lv  vaS™  f 
Iffi  r"^  i  !^^  dissensions  which  had'  almost  paralyzed  our 
efforts.      But   one  voice  was    heard;    a   glorioJs   uLn  wa. 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 

Preparationi  for  (lio  defence  of  Baltimore" 


269 


peaceful  avocations  onheSiV^n'^  ?7  IT"'  ^  ^^"'P '  «"d  'ho 
scarcely  interru^^d^'ut  S^i'df  lu'Z^^^  "°-A°'' 

.nstituted  their  committees  of  Sefence    and  tho  wTf'  r'\"' 
populat  on,  to  the  soimH  nf  «,n  .•  i       '  •         "^  ^^^°^^  o^  the 

naenfs  and  fortifications  election  of  intrench- 

satisfactory  proof  thatl'tC^SsShertomt^ 

than  secession  from  the  confedeLion      tI  '"Mentions, 

mont,  who  the  vear  l^r<.^ThZ        a        ^^  governor  of  Ver- 

upon  Its  successful  issup  A  nJ.li  I  .  ™^"^  "''^  depended 
ency  occasioned  by  tL  capture  i%i''f  ,"^^'"'1  ^^  ^^^P^"'^' 

in  Baltimore,  and  h  wi  di'^^covered  S^^;^^^^^^  ^'^  '"f^^'^°^ 
be  assailed  immediatelv  thn  inh^K  ?  7  '^  P'"^*^^  "'°"'d  "ot 
parations  for  defence   '  A  dl.^h  '  '''  ''''^""^  ^"^^'"g  Pre- 

throWn  up  by  the  inhabitant    on'n'  T^^'  ""'^  *  breaslwork 

^  wh^  it  -'^:^b!:ct:^i^r-^^^!^.^-^ 

^:Ht,^uie^haS;;;;:^^-5:;^;^^^ 


k 


b  ^-^ 


200 


BR  ACKENIU  DUE'S 


Admiral  Cochrane  appears  at  Ihn  month  of  the  Patapwo. 

of  the  naval  veteran  commor:  .,^  •^Hi<v  • ,  ^vho7with  his  ma 
mes,  took  possession  or  nc^y  i,a.,.nes  on  the  hill  above 
mentioned.  A  brigade  c'C  /irguiia  volunteers,  and  the  regular 
troops,  were  assigned  to  ,^.neral  Winder;  and  the  City  hrf-rade 
was  commanded  by  general  Strieker  ;  the  whole  under  the  chief 
direction  of  mnjor-yeneral  Smith.  Of  these,  the  two  latter  were 
distinguished  revolutionary  officers.  The  approach  to  the  city 
by  water  was  defended  by  Fort  M'Menry,  a-  '   ..,  ,  ,  bv 

about  one  thousand  men,  volunteers  and  regulars;  under'mnior 

Fort  M  Henry,  to  prevent  the  enemy  from  landing  durinc.  the 
night  m  the  n^avoi  the  town,  were  manned,  the  one  by^lieu- 

enant  Newcc^nibe  of  the  Guerriere,  with  a  detachment  of 
sailors,  the  ouier,  by  lieutenant  Webster,  wi»h  men  from 
Barney  s /lotiha      The  former  was  called  For*  Covington     th^ 

atter  the  Cuy  Battery      To  the  defence  cf  Fort  M'llenry  and 

SoSfoT'sr/ '''  ^"'^'  '^^"^  ''-^  '■"^^'  '^«  -h^'^'«- 

Independently  of  the  pretexts  which  had  already  led  to  the 
scenes  at  Washington  and  Alexandria,  the  city  of  Baltimore 
vas  a  selected  object  of  the  vengeance  of  the  en.  my,  in  conse' 
quence  of  her  active  and  patriotic  exertion   during  the  war.  No 

Si?r  '''TTil  '^"f""' ""  J"^'  P'^'"'-«  °^'  the  state  of  anxious 
feeling  ,n  which  fifty  thousand  people  awaited  the  issue  of  the 
event  whv  h  should  determine  the  safety  or  d-  struction  of  their 
Z^'  .-.J''"  '",?'?  °^  successful  resistance,  the  most  painful 
incertitude  would  for  a  time,  hang  over  the  fate  of  those  who 
had  risked  their  lives  in  its  defence.  These  latter  were  not 
strangers  or  mercenaries,  but  friends,  brotiiers,  sons,  parents, 
and  husbands;  for  every  one  who  coulu  wield  a  musket,  oven 
old  men  and  boys  was  found  in  the  ranks.  Tl.e  committee 
of  salety,  composed  of  those  Ivancfui  ;«  life  a  i  of  the  must 
influential  citizens,  (among  w.  .n  was  colonel  Howard,  a  hero 
of  the  revolution)  took  a  large  share  in  the  preparations  to  meet 
the  approaching  danger. 

The  British  army  having  re-'  ..L.  rked  on  boarr]  the  fleet  in 
the  1  atuxeat,  admiral  Cochrane  -noved  down  the  river  nnd 
proceeded  up  the  Chesapeake;  and,  on  the  morning  of  the  llih 
01  September,  appeared  at  the  mouth  of  the  Pat?,  .  .,  n-bout 
fourteen  miles  from  the  city  of  Baltimore,  vi-s  a  fleet  of  ships 
of  war  and  transports  amounting  to  fifty  sai'  In  the  next  day, 
the  land  forces,  to  the  number  of  at  least  thr  and  men 
debarked^  at  North  Point,  and,  under  thee.  nan,,  f  general 
Koss,  -ooK  up  •  aeir  march  for  the  city.  Gen..ral  Strieker,  who 
|J8d  caned  for  thp  City  brigade  under  his  command  the  ho. 


HISTORY  OK  TIJi':  WAR. 


ti67 


th  his  ma 
liill  above 
the  rogulur 
'lly  brigade 
cr  the  chief 
latter  were 
to  the  city 
i:  .i.ii  by 
ndcr  major 
ic  right  of 
during  the 
le  by  iieu- 
chnirnt  of 
men  from 
igfon  ;  the 
ienry,  and 
uhabitants 

led  to  the 
Baltimore 
,  in  conse- 
B  war.  No 
of  an.xious 
sue  of  the 
)n  of  their 
st  painful 
those  who 
were  not 
5,  parents, 
sket,  even 
committee 
the  m<jst 
rd,  a  hero 
OS  to  meet 

le  fleet  in 
river  ;ind 
^^he  llih 

o,  n^bout 
:  of  ships 
next  day, 
uid  men, 

'  general 
;ker,  who 
d  the  ho- 


_Del«ri«.io^^on|^«^u^ 


■ ~— r-  "•  ""Mil  ruini, 

an..c<,lo„cl  .S,„„c,,,  fi'V™    cd      J  S^lt:"'"  '"^T: 
and  twenty  of  the  Sivth   nn,l«.  ,      .  "">^ '^"^""S '  ^'-^ 'lundred 
five   hundrcdof  theTu   n^v         ''^.f«»''"'f-''"lo"cl  M'Donaid; 
Long.,  five  hundred  an    Z^ll^T^"'  '^''T'-'''''-^ 
ant-colonei  Fowler ;   sevea'hund  J  of  Th"  pi"  tl  '""?• 
lieutenant  colunel  Amev  •  one  In.nHr.,       ,  ^ .    ''>'"'^^''  ""^er 
captain  Dyer  ,•  une  Si^od  an      r>        ^''t  ^"*>'  '■'''^™^"'  ""dcr 
colonel  Biays  •     ndtTc  Union   T^u'^'^'^'l'  "'"^^'-  lieutenant. 
and  six  fou^rnounderrnnr     ^^^^ '«7;  "^  scvent^ -Ove  men 
general  of  tL'Se^A  corps  7Z    S"^^^°""^^V  '^""™^y 
taken  from  general  StansS^r^ltn^'  ^TthA"'  ""i'^"'"^ 
volunteers,  were  a«^tapl,nH  „„  i    ""Sa«o,  and  the  Pennsylvan m 

of  Bear  C^eerwi  h  o  det  t"  c^  P''\  ^'' >^""'  '"  '^^  "^«"'h 
and  to  check  any  land  nnvhlhtr'   ''''''' ^'""'■«'  ^'"'^^^'^^ 
quarter.  ^  °  ''  ''"'^  ^^"^  ^"^'"y  might  effect  in  that 

hout.tnr'tir'erd  ^f£ C^'  f^'^'"  "f-^  ^  --^-S' 

Herc  the  briga.     tltL^:  th  X' eTc;;ti:n  '''  f ' 

who  moved  foru      I  t,^  n  .V    ^•^'^'^P''on  of   the  cava  rv. 

rifl...  n,  :1,o  took    ..t  Se'Ta  bl  'T  -^f^  "^"-.  «"d  th"^' 
in  advance  of  the  et    mnment      tkTS''  '•  '^"I^'  ^^^  "'''«'' 
12th,  at  seven   oCckZorLuJ!''  '^"""'"S  "^°^«'"f^'  ^^e 
videttes,  that  the  euomtwe       Harkinrin'r"^?  ^^°"'    *''« 
their  gun-vessels,  which  lav        iTbS  ofT  l"v'  '°'*='*  °^ 
the  mouth  of  the  Patopsco  river      'Phf  .'*''' ^°'"''  ^""'"n 
ateiy  sent  back  under'^^  stronx^'   uar^  •      T^e  was  immedi- 
ordered  forward  the  Fifth  and  rf.     '  and  general  Strieker 
the  artillery,  to  the  head  orLo.S'T'"'^'  '^?''"^^"'^'  «"d 
with  its  right  on  the  hend  nf  «  T       ?  ^/il^'  P°'^'»?  ^he  Fifth 
le.lonthe^mainroad:theTw;^^^^^^^^^  «"d  it« 

of  the  road  m  a  line  wiU.  and  o^ih'.'"-^  r"J^"  ^'''^'"^'^^  «ide 
art.Herv  at  the  head  of  the  ?.nl  '^^^''."^  ^^e  Fiflh,  and  the 
two  i^giments.  SeThrtvnm?);  -^^  '"*"''^'  ^f"-««"  'he 
hundred  yards  in  the  rta  of  the  ter"'  ^"'l  ^™""  "P  *'"•«« 
first  at  the  same  interr^in  f £  r  /'f^'^.^"''' '"'"^  theFiftv- 

regiment  was  kept  as  a  '--  l""^  -'V'  ^'"''-  '^^e  Sixfh 
h«^f  a  mile  in  the  rear  of  Th  '""."  r^''''  ^'  ^^e  distance  of 
nn«f^H   ♦!,„  ^:_"^,'^^f'^°^  the  second  Imc.     Th.is  jnrl.v.-n.r'- 

giv^n^rder^.s'  h?;::n^:L;:„r'' '"  ^"^^^'-^UgfiS 

ir  compelled  to  ^a.ltS^Z^d^lreTh=;h^  f^/^y-S; 


908 


BRACKENRIDGK'S 


natU^fWorih  Point De„h  of  General  Sou. 


and  Thirty-niiith,  and  form  on  the  liyl.rof  the  Si.xth,  posted,  as 
already  stated,  in  rL-servc.  '  ' 

General  Strieker  now  learned,  from  the  cavalry,  who  oc- 
cordmg  to  orders  had  retreated,  that  the  British  were  movine 
rapidly  up  the  road;  but  at  th.  nomcnt  when  ho  expected  t2 
iTiilo  1      H    'i  ""."°""'=«d  and  unpeded  by  the  riflemen  stationed 
n  t  c  low  thick  pme  and  firs  in  advance,  greatly  to  his  chagrin, 
c  discovered  that  they  were  falling  back  upon  the  main  posi- 
tion, uiulcr  a  groundless  apprehension  that  the  enemy  had  land- 
cd  on  Buck  nver  to  cut  them  off.     This  part  of  the  general's 
plan  having  been  frustrated,  he  placed  the  riflemen  on  the  ri-'ht 
of  lus  front  line,  and  by  this  means  better  secured  that  flank. 
Iho  videltes  soon  after  bringing  information  that  a  party  of 
tlie  enemy  xvx-ro  carousing  in  a  careless  manner  at  Gorsuch's 
furm,  several  of  the  ofliccrs  ofll-red  their  services  to  dislod<Te 
them.     Captains  Levering  and  Howard's  companies,  from  the 
1  ifth  regiment,  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  in  number,  under 
major  Heath ;  captain  Aisquith's  and  a  few  other  riflemen,  in  all 
about  seventy  ;  and  a  small  piece  of  artillery  and  some  cavalry, 
under  lieutenant  Stiles,  were  sent  forward  to  chastise  the  inso- 
icncc  of  the  enemy's  advance,  and  to  evince  a  wish  on  the  part 
of  the  American  army  to  engage.    The  detachment  had  scarcely 
proceeded  half  a  mile,  when  it  suddenly  came  in  contact  with 
the  mam  body  of  the  enemy.     In  the  skirmish  which  ensued, 
major  Heath  s  horse  was  shot  under  him,  and  several  of  the 
Americans  were  killed  and  wounded;  while  the  enemy  lost  their 
commander-in-chief,  major  general  Ross.      This  officer,  who 
had  imprudently  advanced  too  far,  for  the  purpose  of  recon- 
noitering,  was  killed  by  one  of  the  company  of  captain  Howard. 
Aitcrthedeath  of  general  Ross,  the  command  devolved  on  colonel 
Brooke,  who  continued  to  advance  notwithstanding  this  occur- 
rence.     1  he  American  detachment  now  fell  back  ;  and  general 
btricker,  perceiving  the  companies  of  Howard  and  Leverina 
to  be  too  much  fatigued  to  share  in  the  approaching  conflict, 
ordered  them  to  attach  themselves  to  the  reserve.     At  half 
past  two  o  clock,  the  enemy  commenced   throwing   rockets, 
which  did  no  injury;  and  immediately  >  aptain  Montgomery's 
artillery  opened  a  fire  upon  them,  which  they  returned  by  a 
six-pounder  and  a  howitzer  directed  upon  the  left  and  centre. 
I  lie  tire  was  brisk  for  some  minutes,  when  general  Strieker 
with  a  view  of  bringing  the  enemy  within  canister  distance, 
ordered  it  to  cease  on  the  American  side.      Perceiving  that  the 
ettorts  of  the  British  were  chiefly  directed  against  the  left  flank. 

ne  now  ordered  nn  tfio  ThiVtv-nloth  '•~-: 1  '—'-   l-'r.    .  ••' 

»„j        *i.    1  A    r'K    "^  -li-iL^  ...... n  !^-.iiic«t  iiiiu  line  wiin 

and  on  the  left  of  the  Twenty-seventh.     Two  pieces  of  artil- 


~^r 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


200 


B«»lo  of  North  Point 


-^  ■  Hctreat  of  ihc  Aincrirtn  Army. 


lery  were  nho  detached  to  the  left  of  fho  Thirtv-ninth  •  and 
.n  order  n.orn  completely  to  protect  this  flank,  colo  "'l  Amov 

w  th  the  Ime,  w.th  h.s  right  resting  on  tho  lert'of  .1'k3  Thirty 
ninth.     Ins  movement  was  badly  executed,  and  caused  some 
con(us.on  m  that  quarter,  which  however  wa's  immediacy","! 

«o7nl''"''".'Cl. '^'^'^  ^°'"'""  "°^  advanced  upon  tl,c  Twontv- 
seventh  and  Th.rty-nmth  regiments.  I'nfortunat,'  v  aT  thl 
juncture,  the  F.ily.fir«t  regiment,  in  a  .sudden  pan  c,  arte  del! 
ver.ng  one  volley  at  random,  broke  and  retreated  in  confusion 

Sna'^rfi  '*"t^  '"  '^^  ^^^--^  batlanonortiro 
inirty.nmth.     The  fire  on  the  enemy  bv  this  time  became  Z 

neral  from  nght  to  left,-  and  the  artillery  poureran  incessfn; 

and  destructive  stream  upon  the  enemy's  ii\  column    TSlr 

endeavoured  to  shelter  itself  behind  a  lo-Miousc    ul,l  . 

after  burst  into  a  blaze;  captain  Sadtler  oKhe  Fift   t  meT 

fit  i^teTe'LT;^'"'  ''  '^^'^"  ^'^•^^"  ^'-  Precaulb  To 
lire  11,   oeiore   no  and  his  yagers  ahnnrlnnoH  ;♦        a  u     .  . 

minutes  past  three,  the  Brit'ish  hL  c'lo  on'whh  a  ^n,^' d?," 
charge  of  musketry,  which  was  well  returned  by  he  Fifth  and 
the  twenty-seventh  regiments,  and  the  first  battalion  of  tSe 

It^';?'"  \'""S™'^".'-  ^^"^  ^'^  ''''  '■"^<^^''««"t  ro^  this  time 
until  about  twenty.five  minutes  before  four  o'clock  dVrir 
which  penod  general  Strieker  gallantly  contended  a'ainstS 
tS  eouVr^'%  .F'"'^'"g'''°-«vor,  that  the  unequal  con 

Ibout  to  o.Sl  "'iT'^'i  ""  '°"g'^''  ""^  ^hat  the  enemy  Ze 
about  to  outflank  him,  he  was  compelled  to  retire  unon  hi,  rl 

Toin?  '  ""ZTV'^''^  ^'  '^^''^^  i"  good  order  At  the 

pomt  occupied  by  this  regiment  he  formed  his  brigade^and  MUnt 

back  took  post  half  a  mile  in  advance  of  the  intren^S^emifo? 

he  defence  of  the  city.  Here  he  was  joined  by  geneml  WndS 

general  otncker.  Ihe  enemy  encamped  for  the  niabt  nn 
Jng  a^Tsui;:'"^  '"  '^"'^  '^^^  '^'^  ^-g*^^'  -'hout  X" 
th7pm*'''fi'^T*  °^  *^^  Baltimore  brigade,  with  the  exception  of 

ninth   w^hn'f  '"°'"^''''.  ""1*'^^  '''^''^  battalion  of  theSty. 
ninth,  who  were  seized  with  the  panic  to  which  raw  -ronn.  aL 

rotr.'!^;-'^J-''^--f  the  h^hest  praise:  ;eLa7co",l 

not  h...  .e  uvnv  inore.    Their  loss  in  killed  and  vounded.  amount" 

ed  to  one  hundred  and  sixty-three.  among  whom  were  a^l 

of  the  mo^t  respectable  citizens  of  Baltimorl     Adjurant  Ce^ 


A  \  I 


870 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


British  Army  appears  before  Baltimore. 


Lowry  Donaldson,  of  the  Tvventy-seventh  regi.nent,  an  emi. 

Kh'^'^f  \r'  ^'"1  '"  '^'  ^'''''''  °^  »hf  fight';  JZ 
Heath  and  Moore,  and  a  number  of  other  officers,  were 
wounded.  The  los.  of  the  British  was  nearly  double  thalo? 
the  Americans,  accordmg  to  their  own  acknowledgment,  and 
probably  was  much  greater  in  reality.  In  their  official  state- 
ments  they  corrputed  the  American  force  at  six  thousand  a 
great  proportion  regulars,  and  the  loss  at  one  thousand,-  dkta 
rom  which  we  may  infer  their  opinion  of  the  manner  in  which 
they  were  received- 

Among  those  who  distinguished  themselves  in  the  battle  of 
K  r?u'  ^"f.«"^»t;Colonel  Sterrett ;  majors  Heath  and 
liarry  of  the  Fifth  regiment;  captain  Spangler  of  the  York 
(1  ennsylvania)  volunteers;  adjutant  Chcston,  who  was  sliehtlv 
wounded;  heutenant-colonel  Long  of  the  Twenty-seventh  regi. 
ment,  which  "  was  unsurpassed  in  b.avery,  resolution  and  en- 
thUBiasm;  heutenant-colonel  Fcwier  and  major  Steriger  of  the 
i  hirty.nmth  regiment,  and  the  volunteer  companies  attached 
to  It ;  captain  Quantril  from  Hagerstown,  and  captain  Metzgar 
from  Hanover,  Pennsylvania,  the  former  of  whom  was 
^vounded;  captain  Montgomery;  brigade- .najors  Calhoun  and 
Jraily;  and  major  George  P.  Stevenson,  aid  to  general 
btricker,  were  highly  and  most  deservedly  complimented  in 
general  orders.  Majors  Moore  and  Robinson,  of  the  Twenty, 
seventh  regiment,  were  also  conspicous  for  their  activity  and 
gallantry  throughout  the  engagement. 

The  result  of  this  affiiir,  together  with  the  death  of  the  British 
general,  served  to  cheer  the  spirits  of  the  militia,  and  inspire 
conhdence.    The  brigades  of  general  Stansbury  and  Foreman : 
the  seamen  and  marines  under  commodore  Rodgers  ;  the  Penn- 
sylvania   volunteers,    under   colonels   Cobean    and    Findlay  • 
the  Baltimore  artillery  under  colonel  Harris;  and  the  marine 
artillery  under  captain  Stiles,  manned  the  trenches  and  battery 
and  in  this  situation  spent  the  night  under  arms.     The  ene  ny 
niade  his   appearance  early  the  next  day  to  the  east  of  the 
in  renchments,  at  (he  distance  of  two  miles,  whence  he  had  a 
lull  view  of  the  position  of  the  Americans.     During  the  morn- 
ing,  oy  his  mancEuvres  to  the  right,  he  seemed  to  show  an  in- 
tention  of  coming  down  by  the  Harford  and  York  roads ;  to  baffle 
which  design  generals  Winder  and  Strieker  adapted  their  move- 
ments.   At  noun  the  British  concentrated  their  force  in  front  of 
the  American  line,  approached  within  a  mile  of  the  intrench- 
ments,  and  made  arrangements  for  an  attack  that  evening, 
j'o'"'  f  "^""-  ti^erfcioi'e.  mnnediateiy  drew  generals  Winder 
and  Strieker  nearer  to  the  right  of  the  enemy,  and  ordered  them 


f» 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


271 


Bombardment  of  Fort  M'Henry. 


L-ase  he  should  make  the 


to  fall   upon  his  flank  or  rear,  hi 
attempt. 

Ti"fl''^.'"n"''r'..^''"^''^'  ^"^«1^  "ad  already  commenced 

enemy,  should  he  make  au  attempt  to  land     Thl'  u       ^ 

...iking  distant:  a^fl  .hfsX"  "  t"'f  ofcerH  71";" 
g;»s  of  ,l,e  for,,  ,hey  ,„ai„.ai„oa  «„  'i,^lt„  lmtarfi„; 
%  «>.al,on  of  ,he  garrison  wa,  painfully  inactive  and  hSv 

"g.     ^ne  oi   ttie  tvventy-four  pounders,   on   the   south.ivp«t 
bastion,  und^r  captain  Nicholson,  was  dismounted  ^1.^ 
second  heutenant  and  wounding   severarof  his  ^    ^Th 
enemy  now  approaching  soniewLt  nearer,  a  tremendous  ^r« 
was  mstantiy  opened  from  the  fort,  which  comSd  him  pre 
cipitajely  to  return  to  his  former  position.     The  bombar^m^ent' 
was  kept  up  du,:ng  the  whole  day  and  night      The  citv  af 
sailed  on  ...th  sides,  awaited  the  result  with  wakeful  .  ^n 
Wd  ?n''  r''f  ''"^^  "1^'^^'^  '  ^remeXs  cantn    e  w:• 
=  t^^L^^l^T^::;:^.^X^e  -  un^cessnS 

?fp^7ti^^^^^^ 

ne.enantClagg^ands;r^;;,tO:^:of:StS^  ' 
volunteers,  greatly  lamented  by  their  fellow-dtizens  for  their 


•I 


>'  •  1 


278 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Attack  on  Baltimore  abandoned British  Fleet  retires  to  the  West  Indies. 


personal  bravery  and  high  private  standing ;  and  of  th'j  latter, 
lieutenant  Russei,  a  gentleman  of  the  Baltimore  bar,  of  Pen- 
niiigton's  company,  who  nobly  persisted  in  continuing  at  his 
post  during  the  whole  attack.    See  Engraving,  page  223  ante. 

In  the  course  of  the  night  of  the  13th,  admiral  Cochrane  had 
held  a  conference  with  colonel  Brooke,  the  commander  of  the 
land  forces,  at  which  it  was  mutually  agreed  to  relinquish  the 
enterprise  as  impracticable.     The  retreat  of  the  army  com- 
menced immediately,  and  was  highly  favoured  by  the  extreme 
darkness   and   the  continued    rain ;    while   the    uninterrupted 
continuance  of  the  bombardment  of  Fort  M'Henry  served  to 
divert  the  attention  of  the  Americans.    In  the  meantime,  along 
the  American  lines  ten  thousand  men  waited  the  approach  of 
day  with  much  anxiety ;  and  there  is  every  reason  to  believe, 
that  they  would  have  repelled  the  enemy  with  great  loss,  had 
he  made  an  attack.     When  day  dawned,  however,  it  was  dis- 
covered  that  he  had  disappeared.     General  Winder,  with  the 
Virginia  brigade,  captain  Bird's  dragoons,  major  Randal's  light 
corps  and  all  the  cavalry,  was  immediately  detached  in  -,  ur- 
suit  of  him  :    but  so  exhausted   were  the  troops  with  conti- 
nued watching,  having  been  under  arms  during  three  days  and 
nights,  exposed  the  greater  part  of  the  time  to  very  inclement 
weather,  that  it  was  found  impossible  to  do  any  thing  more 
than  pick  up  a  lew  stragglers.     Besides,  the  time  which  had 
elapsed  since  the  commencement  of  the  retreat  of  the  enemy, 
had  given  them  an  opportunity  of  protecting  their  embarkation 
in  such  a  manner  as  ettectually  to  secure  their  rear.     The 
troops  were  taken  on  board  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day ; 
and  on  the  morning  of  the  following  day,  the  15th,  the  British 
fleet  descended  the  bay. 

The  intelligence  of  tb.is  happy  event  was  received  in  the 
neighbouring  cities  with  demonstrations  of  rapturous  joy.  But 
a  moment  before,  the  popular  dismay  appeared  to  have  reached 
its  acme,  and  the  most  gloomy  anticipations  were  indulged; 
for  all  the  larger  towns,  equally  with  Baltimore,  were  threat- 
ened with  devastation.  The  feelings  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
city  itself,  can  with  difficulty  be  conceived.  Measures  were 
taken  to  celebrate  the  occurrence,  and  to  reward  those  who 
held  distinguished  commands.  To  such  as  fell  in  the  sacred 
cause  of  the  defence  of  their  families  and  homes,  a  monument, 
to  be  erected  in  the  centre  of  the  city,  was  decreed.  Admi- 
ral Cochrane,  after  the  failure  of  this  attempt  on  Baltimore, 
retired  with  all  his  fleet  and  the  land  forces  to  the  West  Indie«, 
with  the  view  of  awaiting  the  arrival  of  remtbrcements  from 
England  ;  and  not  only  abandoned  the  idea  for  the  present  of 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


■Vest  Indies. 


273 


Affairs  on  the  Nortbern  Frontier  n,i.i.i,~     ~,     \  

^!!li'JLl!L"j!!LLi:ii:f'£^h^ade^^    State  of  New  York 

officer,  who  was    nvadino-  the  UnitpH  ^tui^   ■      '^'^^iV'^^ '  *'"» 

fv'  S-    f^^'^^^y  «^  themselves  and  families,  or  for  the  secu 

against  the  government  of  the  United  State  C  whom  th! 

majestv  are  dirPPtAH      -^rt    ''^  or  secretly,  that  the  arms  of  his 
S   -nL/  •  ^^"^  '^"'"'^  ^"^  unoffending  inhabitants 

i^eet  wi^h  SJT'  "'  °;^'"''^^  ^^^'"g   i"  hostilities,  M 
meet  with  kind  usage  and  generous  treatment;  and  al    i«,» 

s  r'thrrth"^  f  ^'^  '"^j^^^^'^  subject;,  oiii  r 

l:TmmUte^"edre^/?^'''?heTe  "  ^.^37^'^" 
Jon  nor  the  slightest  hint  that  hosSide'S  n      tTtn 

o??ar'  "TO'^the  ''V'  ^T'^^"^'  accordingTo  th^  usages' 
o  war.  With  these  fair  words,  sir  George  led  his  armv  on 
Ph^tsburg,  m  the  state  of  New  York,  aboiU  the  be  rinnS  of 

S^T  %'"  "'"n?"  ^"'^'^h  fleet,  under  captain  Dowr^  tci 
cee^ded  up  Lake  Champlain  on  his  left.  ^owme,  pro- 

fbrthlfintl'n"^  Tr''''f''"'r^^''^^"'P^'«"had  ^>««"  »"<•"*« 
rrrivtVat  A '^Ll  r'  '''/'!  ''°°P^  ^'^^  been  continually 
Au"  ust^-  o  . hat  „tT  ^"^'^"u'  '^"^  "S  the  months  of  July  and 
August ,  .0  that,  at  the  time  when  sir  George  Prevost  entered 
the  American  tomtory,  his  army  wa«  fourteef  thousand  s?roncr 
=f/?.!!!!._^«-  '"^^  bodiL  of  veterans  who  Tad  S 
Sf  Thrpp  h^a^'"^  Z""^'"   vveiiujglon.      ihe  Ibrce  consisted 

a  maSr  a.Zfr   r       ^  •'"'T''  "'^  '^^«""^'  ^^^  commanded  by 
a  major-general  of  experience,  a  squadron  of  light  dragoons; 


'  f 


'I 


t 


274 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Progresa  of  the  British  impeded  by  General  Macomb. 


and  an  immense  train  of  artillery.  The  expedition  had  in  view 
an  object  more  important  than  that  of  a  mere  inroad.  The 
defeat  and  destruction  of  the  American  army,  then  lying  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Plattsburg;  the  subjugation  of  the  country  as 
far  as  Crown  Point  and  Ticonderoga,  for  the  purpose  of  securing 
a  strong  position  in  which  to  winter;  and  ultimately,  in  co-opera- 
tion  with  an  army  which  was  to  invade  New  York  or  Con- 
necticut  from  the  sea,  tiie  separation  of  the  New  England  states 
from  the  union  by  the  line  of  the  river  Hudson,  were  the 
results  at  which  sir  George  Prevost,  under  the  express  direc- 
tions of  the  British  Prince  Regent,  was  ordered  to  aim. 

After  general  Izard  had  marched  for  the  Niagara,  the  force 
left  at  Plattsburg  under  general  Macomb  did  not  exceed  fifteen 
hundred  regulars,  and  consisted  chiefly  of  invalids  and  new  re- 
cruits ,•  and  of  these  there  was  but  one  battalion  properly  organ- 
ized.  The  fortifications  were  slight,  and  the  stores  and  ord- 
nance  in  groat  dis^>rder.  Ths  British  took  possession  of  the 
village  of  Champlain  on  the  3d  of  September;  and.  from  the 
proclamations  and  che  impre^  ^mcnts  of  wagons  and  teams  in 
this  vicinity,  it  was  soon  discovered  that  the  immediate  object 
of  attack  was  Plattsburg.  Not  a  minute  was  lost  in  placing  the 
works  in  a  state  of  defence.  In  order  to  crt  .te  emulation  and 
zeal  among  the  officers  and  men,  thr.y  were  divided  into  de- 
tachments, and  stationed  in  the  several  forts ;  and  the  general 
declared,  in  orders,  that  each  detachment  was  the  garrison  of 
Its  own  work,  and  bound  to  defend  jt  to  the  last  extremity.  At 
the  same  time,  he  called  on  general  Mooers,  of  the  New  York 
militia,  and  with  him  adopted  measures  for  calling  them  out 
en  masse.  With  the  exception  of  a  kw  men  and  some  boys, 
who  formed  themselves  into  a  company,  received  rifles  and 
were  exceedingly  useful,  the  inhabitants  of  Plattsburg,  with 
their  families  and  effects,  fled  from  the  town. 

General  Mooers,  having  collected  about  seven  hundred 
mihtia,  advanced,  on  the  4th  of  the  month,  seven  miles  on  the 
Beekmantown  road,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy  and 
skirmish  with  them  as  they  approached,  and  at  the  same  time 
to  obstruct  the  road  by  breaking  down  the  bridges  and  felling 
trees.  Captain  Sprowl,  with  two  hundred  men  of  the  Thir- 
teenth regiment,  who  was  posted  at  Dead  Creek  bridge,  on 
the  lake,  or  more  eastern,  road,  also  with  similar  objects,  was 
ordered  to  fortify  himself  with  two  field  pieces  sent  with  him 
for  the  purpose,  and  to  receive  further  instructions  from  lieute- 
nant-colonel  Appling.^ In  advance  of  this  position,  the  latter 
"•r!C«r,  irriih  ouB  hundred  rinemen,  was  i ecoiinoileriug  iho 
movements  of  the  enemy.     At  daylight  on  the  8th,  the  enemy 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


275 


^ritish  Army  occupieg  f  laltBburg  opposite  the  American  Works. 


Summon  f^p'T"'  ^^  '^''^  ™"'^^'  ^"  *^^°  «ol""^n3;   the 
column  on  the  Bcekmantown  road  approaching  more  ranidlv 

Uian    he  other.     General  Mooers's  militia  ski^nSed  a  Time 

with  Its  advance  part.es,  but,  with  tlie  exception  of  a  k^v  brave 

men,  soon  broke,  and  fled  m  the  greatest  d  sorder.     A  detach 

General  Macomb,  finding  that  the  enemy's  object  in  makin,, 

ZZIT:S  Ti  ?  "T'  °"  ^^  -stem  than'the  lakTroad! ' 
^^as  to  cut  oft  the  detachments  of  captain  Sprowl  and  colone  ' 
ApF^ing,  despatched  orders  to  the  latler  officer  to  withdraw  the 

enemy  s  right  flank.     While  in  compliance  with  this   order 

sett  ""Afjfr  "^^\^^  "^f^'  '''  -'"-  -^tt  ent; 
fn,fll  ^"V  u^'  ^"^  ^'^^  ^'^^y  "^«de  this  movement  an 
instant  earlier,  he  must  inevitably  have  been  taken  orisoner 
As  he  retreated  he  poured  a  destructive  fire  on  the^m  from 
his  riflemen  and  continued  to  annoy  fhem  ^n  Hlhe  foLed  a 
junction  with  major  Wool.  The  column  of  the  enemy  on  the 
lake  road,  notwithstanding  that  considerable  execSn  had 
been  done  by  captain  Sprowl's  two  field  pieSs  and  a?thnS 
impeded  in  its  advance  by  the  fallen  trees^  and  'the  dest  uSn 
of  the  ridge  over  Dead  Creek,  as  well  as  hara  t^d  by  a  ga" 
ing  fire  from  some  gun-boats  and  galleys  anchored  in  the  crSk 
still  continued  to  J,  ess  forward.  ^"  ■"  me  creeK, 

The  village  of  Plattsburg  stands  on  the  north  side  of  the  small 
mer  Saranac,  near  its  entrance  info  LakeChamJJn  and  the 
oZir  71'%"'^"  ■^'"^^^'  '^"  ^^«  southern'^lrc'dTrect  y 

occupati'on  bv  th  '^'"\""   '""^"''  '"^""^^'^  °^'"g  ^o  its 

occupation  by    he  enemy,  the  parties  of  Applinc,  Wool  and 

Sprowl,  which  had  contested  the  advance  of tS  opponents 

step  by  step,  retreated  within  the  American  worksTn  3 

order  keeping  up  a  brisk  fire  until  they  got  under  cover      G^  ' 

eral  Macomb  now  directed  the  passage  over  the  bridge  on  th^ 

Saranac  to  be  destroyed.     This  order  was  not  executed  whhout 

ome  difficulty,  as  the  enemy  had  thrown  their  light   roop    in  o 

heir^SsToT/^'  'rJ^-^^' ^.""^  ^""°>-^^  theALricaTS 
«7 LIT    .    ,  /'T  ^^"^  '"""^"^'^  «»d  balconk..     They  were 

b  i id£  ot  fi  f '  T-r  ^  'f '""^.^  "^  ^"^  ^^°^  which  Jet  s: 

r  heBrif^^h^n    K,    ''™"^'-'°''-  *'^"'  ^«y«"™Pts  were  made 
thV'ive^?'!:'  If  ^::i„P°f!«!l°"  °/.^^^  --a'  bridges  over 

ern  banks  of  the  river,  the  planks  of  thJliridgJ  had  be:.„  taken 


\    I 


276 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


-    ^"P"""  M'QIasBin British  and  American  Fleetg^nLakeT^^^jp:^ 

up,  and  placed  in  the  form  of  breastworks;  and~bd^h^7th^e"th^ 
men  charged  with  the  defence  of  the  passages  firmly  resisted 
the  advances  of  the  enemy.  ^        "'uy  resisted 

The  enemy,  now  masters  of  the  village,  instead  of  attempt- 

.ng  to  storm  the  American  works  on  tht  opposite  side  of  the 

ZZ'  7'f  '^'''  '"'i  superiority  of  force  might  have  enab Ld 

hem  to  do,  contented  themselves  with  erecting  batteries  and 

hrowing  up  breastworks,  and  with  frequent  attempts  to  car?y 

^i  ^'iiT  Ti  "«'•'•  'u  '^^  ^'''^'-  ^"  ^he  meanwhile,  the 
ir.nm  body  of  the  British  army  arrived  ;  and  general  Macomb 
was  reinforced  by  a  considerable  body  of  New  York  mS 
and  ot  volunteers  from  the  mountains  of  Vermont.  There  was 
now  scarcely  any  intermission  to  the  skirmishes  which  took 
^ace  between  detachments  of  the  enemy,  and  the  American 
nnhtia  and  volunteers  ,•  while  the  former  were  getting  up  a 
rain  of  battenng  cannon,  and  the  American  regulars  were 
vnrT,""°n'"'''''u-'y;^"  strengthening  and  extending  their 
X  .  .?nr°-  ^^''  *™'  ^  handsome  affair  was  achieved  by 
captain  MW->,ssin,  who,  crossing  the  river  in  the  night,  assailed 

L?r'?  f  V''^  ''^""^r'  ""^  '""'•^  ^l^^"  ^hree  timt^s  his  num. 
bers,  stationed  at  a  masked  battery  which  had  been  for  some 
days  preparing,  and  which,  when  completed,  would  have  given 
mcalculable  ^nnoyance,  drove  them  from  their  post,  and  de" 

Se  Tos's  of  '  YIF'  "'  '^'"^"^^  »« »he  American  c'amp  with 
the  loss  of  onJy  three  men  missing.  For  this  sallant  action 
he  received  the  public  thanks  of  hisjeneral,  and  the  b?eve?S 
of  major  from  the  president  of  the  United  States. 

On  the  morning  of  the  11th  of  September,  the  fifth  day  of 
the  siege,  the  motives  which  induced  the  British  general  to 

fen  'T  '  "J?r"  '^'  ^'"^"^^"  ^^^ks  became'apparent. 
Kelying  on  his  ability  to  carry  them,  however  they  might  be 
strengthened  and  fortified,  he  had  awaited  the  arrfval  of  thl 
British  fleet,  in  the  belief  that,  with  i^s  co-operation,  he  could 
make  an  easy  conquest  not  only  of  the  American  army,  but  also 
of  their  fleet  on  Lake  Champlain,  then  lying  at  anchor  in 
Cumberland  Bay  in  front  of  the,  town  of  Plattsburg.     On    ha" 

lying  thirty-nine  guns,  twenty-seven  of  which  were  twenty. 

S.nhC  F  'V  '^',  '^'■°  ^'""^*'  °^  ^^^^^^"  g""«  '  the  sloops 
Chub  and  Finch,  each  carrymgeleven  guns ;  and  thirteen  gallevs, 
five  of  which  carried  two  guns,  and  the  remainder  one  gun,  each 
was  seen  coming  round  Cumberland  Head.  The  American 
fleet,  under  commodore  M'Donough,  comprised  the  Saratoga, 
caiijiiig  iv,cnty-si.\  guns,  eight  of  which  were  lon^  twenVy. 
four,  pounders;  the  Eagle,  of  twenty  guns;  the  Ticonderoga. 


iff 

If- 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


9  Champlain. 

lind  these  the 
mly  resisted 

I  of  attempt- 
'■  side  of  the 
lave  enabled 
atteries  and 
pts  to  carry 
inwhiie,  the 
ral  Macomb 
ork  militia, 
There  was 
which  took 
;  American 
stting  up  a 
;ulars  were 
iding  their 
ichievcd  by 
:ht,  assailed 
3s  his  num- 
n  for  some 
have  given 
st,  and  de- 
camp with 
lant  action 
jrevet  rank 

i/lh  day  of 
general  to 
apparent. 
f  might  be 
ival  of  the 
,  he  could 
y,  but  also 
anchor  in 
On  that 
ance,  car- 
•e  twenty. 
the  sloops 
;n  galleys, 
?un, each, 
A  merican 
Sarafoffa, 
5  twenfy. 
Dnderoga, 


.^^^^I^^^J^ake^Champlain 


i:iLlllil?f^^jeofPlatt8burg. 


which  the  enemy  possessed  in  K  ^  ^.^^sides  the  advantage 
tion.  their  force  L'smuch  ,"'""''  T  f  '"  '^'r'  *^^'^  P°- 
.  the  British  fleet  amounted'o  ninp  v  fiv  ^'^^"r'^''  ""^  g""«  ^^ 
ofa  thousand;  whiirthe  A^vtf h '  T'^  l"^ '"'^"' *°  "P^^*^^^^ 
and  eight  hundred  and  ^et^y  men  ol  o"rf."f' ^■^'"'  g""^' 
Bels  had  been  built  with  S^TncrpH?h1  ^^"^  "^T""'^"  ^'^'«- 
dajs  before,  the  trpes  of  wh.Vhff  ^"'"'^^^''^'^  despatch  :  eighteen 

growing  on'the  sho^of  tEe  Lke       """''''''''  ^^^'^  ^^^"^"^ 

bo^s:r^gr;ro:::ets  "t'  '"^'h  ^'^ «-  e- 

diately  on  getting roTndrnmh.^  nme  o'clock,  A.  M.,  imme- 
the  British  Kinder  anchor^'  "r  "T^'  ^'''P^^'"  I>°vvnie, 
can  squadron,  a^d  a^abou  tt  t  '"!■  ^^''"^^'  "^  ^^e  Ameri- 
Confilnce,  ca^lin  Downie's  ^tn^t^^^  ^"'^  ''^'^"^-  The 
Saratoga,  M'Donough's  ves  el  "he  T  'n^^^'  ^t^P^^  ^°  *^« 
British  galleys  and  one  of  the t' s  oonJ^  to  he%  ?'^'*^'  '^« 
Preble  and  the  lefl  division  nrfL  a  P  '•       "^  Ticonderoga,  the 

of  the  British  sloops  was^r^n  ?l"  '  ^"^'^^  P''«^°sf.  One 
by  running  on  a  reef  of  roc^v. I  "■'''"  T  °^  *^^  ^"gagement 
cated,  whib  several  of  thS  J  ^"''  '^'  '^"^^  "«'  ^  ^^'ri- 
as  to  be  compeUed  to  puH  ou  oTthr''  '"  T^^'^^  '  '"<^'«d 
this  interesting  battle,  in  whrr-h  thJ?  ''^^-  ^"^  *^^  <^'«  ^^ 
superiority  were  for   the  ^Jinni  r    ""^  «>"^Petitors  for  naval 

depended^chiefly  on  theLurof  th™'   ""'^"''^  '"  ^^"«^^°°' 
two  largest  ships      Tu/f""  .'^^  ^^^  engagement  between  the 

tained  the  unequal  contest Srirb'^^'^^^T  ^""'^  "°^  "^«'«- 
the  greater  weight  of  "he  enU  k  .I''' '  ^"^  "^^withstanding 
scallof  victory  in  }  if  favour  V  ^""T^ I'^"'''^  *°  '"«''««  'hf 
chances  againsf the  Saratga^^^^^^  a'cc^elR"''^""'-!.- .  '^^« 
commander  of  the  Eade  who  h^L^  ?,  '^,  '"^'"eased  bv  the 
bear  as  he  wished/cS  h     .^hi  ^  T^^V""  ^''"S  h'«  guns  to 

^Ticonderoga  and  Sara  oJae?no?rK'^'  .""''"""'"S  ^'^^"^^  '^^ 
fire  from  the  enemyi  ?ri|theTnn^^^^    T  """  '"'''['''  '  ^"'"^ 

side  of  the  Saratoga  werf,  by  thrtit   .  i?»f "".' °"  '^"  ''f^''^'^ 

tirely  unmanageable,  and  hJsiu  at  onnVTh       '^'^'^^""ffd  «r  en- 
i^r  •  i^  „„„u  ^P.  ^     ' "'"'  !;"t-  Situation  of  the  cnemv  was  little  \^f 

of  oneofThe  'SScul.' rf?" V*''™''"'  "P""  ">«  «Su.ion 


.     V 


i-n 


I 


278 


bRACKENlUDGE'S 


Defeat  of  the  Britiah  Squadron Retreat  of  the  Brilish  Army. 

Confiance  essayed  it  in  vain,  but  the  efForts  of  the  Sarat^ 
woresucccsslul:  a  stern  anchor  being  put  on  and  the  bower 
cable  cut,  the   ship  wuided   round.      A  iVcsh  broadside  was 
now  brought  to  bear  on  the  enemy's  frigate ;  which,  shortly 
alter  its  delivery,  surrend(;red.     No  sooner  had  the  Contianco 
surrendered,  tlian  the  Saratoga's  broadside  was  sprun^r  to  bear 
ui)on   the  Linnet,  wiiich   struck  its  flag  fifteen  minutes  after- 
wards.    One  sloop  had  struck  to  the  Eagle  some  time  before- 
and  tiic   ric<jnderoga  caused  the  surrender  of  the  remainin>^ 
sloop      1  hree  of  the  galleys  were  sunk ;  the  ten  others  escaped! 
By  the  tunc  this  desperate  contest  was  over,  there  was  scarcely 
a  mast  in  either  squadron  capable  of  bearing  a  sail,  and  the 
greater  part  of  the  vessels  were   in   a  sinking  state.     There 
were  iifty-five  round  shot  in  theliull  of  the  Saratoga,  and  in  the 
Confiance  one  hundred  and  five.     The  Saratoga  was  twice  set 
on  fire  by  hot  shot.     Of  the  crew  of  the  Confiance,  fifty  were 
killed,  and  sixty  wounded  ;  among  the  former  was  captain  Dow- 
nie.     On  board  the  Saratoga,  there  were  twenty-eight  killed  of 
whom  lieutenant  Gamble  was  one,  and  twenty-nine  wounded 
Lieutenant  Stansbury,  of  the  Ticonderoga,  son  of  .'•cneral  Sfans- 
bury  of  Maryland,  lost  his  life;  and  lieutenant  °Smilh,  actin-r 
lieutenant  Spencer  and  midshipman  Baldwin  were  amon-Mhe 
wounded.      1  he  total  loss  in  the  American  squadron  amoiTnted 
to  hfty-two  ki led,  and  fifty-eight  wounded.     The  enemy  had 
eighty.four  killed,  and  one  iiundred  and  ten  wounded.      The 
action  lasted  two  hours  and  twenty  minutes. 

This  engagement,  so  deeply  interesting  and  on  the  result  of 
which  so  much  was  at  stake,  took  place  in  sight  of  the  hostile 
armies.     But  they  were  by  no  means  quirt  spectators  of  the 
scene :  a  tremendous  cannonade  was  kept  up  durin"  the  whole 
time,  and  the  air  was  filled  with  bombs,  rockets  and  hot  balls 
Three  desperate  eflbrts  were  made  by  the  British  to  cross  the 
river  and  storm  the  American  works,  in  which  they  were  as 
often  repulsed  with  considerable  loss.     Their  ardour,  however 
naturally  abated,  after  witnessing  tlie  painful  sight,  so  little  ex- 
pected,  of  the  capture  of  nearly  their  whole  fleet.     Although 
the  liring  was  kept  up  until  dark,  the  plans  of  sir  Geonre  Pfe- 
vost  were  completely  frustrated.     Now  that  the  America^n^  had 
the  command  of  Lake  Champlain,  the  possession  of  their  works 
on  the  land  could  not  serve  him  in  any  further  design  ;  and  in 
the  meantime,  he  was  exposed  to  danger  which  increased  with 
the  hourly  augmentation  of  the  American  force.      He  deter- 
mined  therefore  to  raise  the  siege.     Under  cover  of  the  nicrht 
he  sent  off  all  the  hr,crar,tra  and  arfi!'tt--rv  c,_  ,,.i,;^!.   •„,     "^  .  t 
Obtain  m  ?ans  of  transportation  ;  and  precipitately  followed  with 


I 


liBh  Army. 

he  Saratoga 
d  the  bower 
oadside  was 
licli,  shortly 
le  Confiunco 
rung  to  boar 
inutes  aftcr- 
ime  before; 
3  remaiiiina 
ers  escaped, 
las  scarcely 
ail,  and  tlie 
:ite.     There 
1,  and  in  the 
as  twice  set 
;,  fifty  were 
ipfain  Dow- 
ht  killed,  of 
e  wounded, 
leral  Stans- 
nith,  acting 
among  the 
1  amounted 
enemy  had 
ded.      The 

ic  result  of 
the  hostile 
tors  of  the 
;  the  whole 

hot  balls. 
0  cross  the 
iy  were  as 
',  however 
so  little  ex- 

Although 
eorge  Pre- 
ricans  had 
heir  works 
n  ,-  and  in 
;ased  with 
He  deter- 
the  night 

He  i;ouiu 
owed  with 


i-'! 


■'  HI 


I 


ri 


to 


ar 
ar 

Wi 


Vl( 

by 
in 


mSTORV  OF  THE  WAR 


291 


all  l„s  foroos,  leaving  behind  hiiToiT^and  woT,nd7d~Tt 

gie.-.  and  cov-^od  ti.o  oscaJ^'S^  a  ^^^^  'X^:^^ZXT- 
but  V  ere  prevented  by  bad  weather"  iron,  continuing  thop.r-' 
sut  beyond  Cha-,y   a  d.stance  of  fourteen  miles  from  Ph".^     . 

t^.  abo  ,  'fi".rnf  "r  '  '■'"^^  '"  i^'"'^'''  ^^«""^'^-d  «"'J  ""■--^^' 
,  ""  ?"°^'^  lineen  hundred  men:  of  the  \meri."in«   tl,;,...-         "^ 

killed   sixty-two  wounded  and  tw.ntV  nl  i  y'N'      ^  ami" 

t.esol  provisions,  ammunition  and  iuiplements  of  war T     I" 

the  enemy  had  not  time  to  take  with  them  or  destrnv   fi  1       f 

the  hands  of  the  Americans,  in  the  com^^of  ,tZ     nndTle 

amount  w.s  greatly  inerea.ed  by  what  were  a rtenv^a;d;  found 

iHclcJe,.  ,n  marshes,  or  buried  in  the  ground.     IWo tons  of 

ate  >  took  place:  at  the  head  of  the  list  were  r^eneral  mT.Tk 
and  commodore  M'Donough.  °  Macomb 

Those  of  the  British  army  and  navv  who  foil    u-nrr.  ;„»        i 
with  the  honours  of  war.     'b.e  humaL  a«em  on  of  the  ImP 
ncans  to  the  wounded,  and   their  gei.erourpoHtene      to  Z 
prisoners    were  acknowledged    in   grateful    te™     by  clot  xb 

t'oThTB^Stih^rdXitf  ^"'"""  ^-«i-nh,soffici:fd:;^a^;^s 

and  the  "star-spangled  banner"  waved  in  tr  umn^^ir^^ 
waters  of  ChampIaiS,  as  over  those  of  Erie  and  OntarbTh^ 
lakes    those  noble  features  of  our  great  continenTr;  J 

bv  The  f'Tr'^'l  "■'^•^^  "^  --^'^"^  wTh  aTd  L  g  teTed 


\M 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


Y 


A 


{/ 


:<°  wj>.. 


<? 


> 


:/^    ^A 


'(/f 
-m 


1.0 


I.I 


1.25 


2.8 


III  2.5 
12.2 


1^       12:0 


1.4 


!.6 


FhotDgraphic 

Sciences 
Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  672-4503 


V 


^' 


■■^^ 


y^ 


:\ 


\ 


ft 


A' 


\. 


.s  \ 


283 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Ji2!:ili!!i!y2£!!!!!!^!!iii^^       Negot 


lationn  with  Great  Britain. 


CHAPTER  XX. 


sylvania-Removal  of  ,he  Seat  of  rnvi^  I    ^"^^  "'  ""^  legislature  of  Penn- 

las  appointed  Secretary  fhe  r/easurv  i';::  ""  ^"^"'"g'-  agitated-Mr.  Dal- 
the  Southward-Attaci;  on  it rrr/ernXal,;":: m'" '  '"  T  ^'""-"-AiTairs  to 
da.  and  Capture  of  Pensacola,  by  GeLra,  JacLon  r  ''  '^•""'^"-"""ad  into  Flori. 
by  the  British-Preparation;  frRrstlJceTr:^7'r;  ''f^'"'""a»a  meditated 
Orleans-His  Presence  insnir -,  rlnflH  „      ""'  °^  ^^"'=''a'  Jackson  at  New 

Capture  of  the  America    Gr^^tT-taTtia^L^^       ^'T  ""'''  ""^  ""«  *'^-^'- 
-The  Pirate  Lafitte-British  Fo^l  .„!!f     ?i.^''"'  P'^^'a^ed  hy  General  Jackson 
tie  Of  the  23d  of  Decem!;  iti*:         2'"  T"  T,"'  "'  ^^'^  O^'ean.-Ba." 
tifiea  himself-Atfairs  of  the  miZnl.^^H?''""^^  ''"=''^"  """"•?«■  and  ror. 
the  American  Troops-Brilf  ^a" To"  oTm  ^.^.'a  °"'"'""'-  '^^^^-''-n  of 
Of  the  Mississippi-Memorable  LtronheZofi-n'""'''"'^"''''"  °"  •"""  ""l" 
enham-Defeat  and  Terrible  Carnage  of  the  Br^.l       .^7°"""  °^*^''""'"  Pack- 
Americans  drivrn  from  their  Intrpnl™  ""  '"*  ^''"  ^a""^  °f  'he  Hiver- 
ated  by  the  Bri.ish-Ccce L^f  B^tb" h  °"  ""  ""'"  Bank-Lo,i«ia„a  evacV 
Depredations  of  Admiral  Cockt     ^ZlTZl  ^V  ''  ""' ''  "^  '"^  «''""^- 
tain-T.--^-  of  the  Treaty-Conclusion  "  Coast-Peace  with  Great  Bri. 

in  that  body  for  many  vearrnrpv;  ''^""^  ''"^^  "^^'^^  ^^^  existed 
glowed  beneathTs  LE  but  whlv'''^  '^  "''  ''J^  *^"«' «''" 
might  prevail  with  respect  to  thl  ""^^^^""f  ^^riefy  of  sentiment 

there  ias  but  littleTs  to  th--  '  ^^  "' '°  ^^^ '"'" '"  P°^"'' 
accusation  of  Sg  su^ect  to  K  h  ^^^"''"^^  '"  ^"^"^'  The 

be  brought  against^theSinlfra  "on  tfr"'VT'^  "° '°"g«^ 
a  war  of  defence:  and  thP Tnlf  i  ^^  '^^''  ^''^  ""^"^  become 
ment  rendered  i^irptlibleTr"  '°"''"''  °^'^"  ^"''^^  g^^ern- 
wantonly  pursuingTostiil^es       ^  °"'  '°  '''^  *^^'  ^'^^  ^^«  "«* 

bad'tSf oSrSs[:'4t  Eut^' "'.'  i'''^'  ^-^  «-- 

to  remain  for  momhs  unno^i-H  '^  «  '  "^  ^^''^  «'  ^''^ 
place  of  negotiatio„^'1^72a  otel'^;^^^^^^^  ^'^^ 

becoming  a  great  nation,  to  prolonrfor  hi  f  „  ^^''^''^  ""' 
which  might  have  been  accomVished  in  a  dav  T/'  V^'i^ 
first  occurrence  which  took  JJ'T^^^A^^'     ^"^^ben  the 

and  American  -.missionerrwas^i-^Zrit^rrcl^d 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


283 


\egotiation»  wi:fa  Great  Britain  , 


. — ■•''■■"-loiiiewia  won. 

col^L'a^fS::^^^^^^^  on  th^-f 

all  hopes  of  peace  were  at  anZf  i  T  "°'''  !''°"g'^*  ^^at 
prepare  their  minds  for  a  Ion.  and  blnoH  '  P^^P'^^egan  to 
structions  which  they  had  recfived  o^  r  .^  ''"•  •  '"  '^"^  '"" 
authorized  to  pass  the  s. hi Jf or       '  commissioners  were 

present.  By'^Jhe  pac  ficSn  .  rT''''""'"l  ^"  «''^"^«  ^'^  ^^e 
had  induced  Great  En  to"  «  *  '*''°''''  "''''''"^'  '"'''"'' 
existed-the  practice  had  ceased  vi^h'7'ir^"r'  ""^  ^°"g«' 
The  subject  of  blockadt  by  Srfalof^  f'^''^  ""'"^^''y- 
an  end;  and  could  not  L  Emitted  to  sW'"?^  """"  "''°  ^' 
gotiations  for  peace      InfFr^Tl  ^^. '"  ''^^  '^^7  of  ne- 

between  the  trn\"ionl"  td  a     Jl^^^^^  ^^"^^^^X 

the  war  in  Europe  and  thp  inl,,!;      •  «•      .  ^  S''^^"  out  of 

English  and  Fren^c^hb^lg^nTcTm^entul^lvTa  "  \' ''' 
wh^n  peace  was  restored  to  Europe        ""^"'^"y '°  ^  conclusion 

gre'rat^Lty  fcf-^r^^^^^^^  ^or  manifesting  this 

ed,  until  so4  proviS/had  b'eermrdf  vT'^^ 
vent  the  future  recurrence  of  the  IS ki^  ^  ^"^""^  *«  P'^' 
from  the  practice  of  Zes^  n.  her  .o'^     %^"'^^  inseparable 
But  the  nation  at  this  m^e^fe!^:  ^dTeTce  ^e  Z,  'T''^ 

oTr^'p^truirnS^^^^^ 

hope'of  success  I  was  Irotb^t""  "^f ^^''^^  S'-'- 
Britain,  by  this  time  ZTthTuu^  to  conclude  that  Great 
pressmLnprel'aS^^^^^^^  the  im- 

and  that  hereafter  she  would  be  canSToV  ^^V  P^'oP^'-'y. 
or  interfering  with  the  co^tt  of  oTcitlr'lS  P"""^' 
IS  seldom  so  successful  n<!  tn  «««!  i  ,u  .^"^-  Besides,  a  war 
enemy  an  ackrowledgemen^of  h,  '  ""•"'  '°  ^"'"^  ^''O'"  his 
madefand  the  in^rylXc^d  ^£^^^0!-  'V'  ^^ '''"-i^tance 
Sincere  wish  of  the^Amer  S  golnmett  fo'r  n"''"''*  ^'^^ 
met  in  a  corresponding  spirit  bv1heRrr»f  P''"'^^?^  "o' 
The  latter  proposed  at  one?  «!  .     •  '^'^^  commissioners, 

of  an  immense^rfion  of  the  A^.T  '^T  "'"'  '^-^  ^''"^"^er 
relinquishment  Sfthriake  shores  ?h"  ^^^'^^^y' ^"^  «  total 
able  pretensions  excited  unlverS  ^^^^^"''^'^  «"d  unwarrant- 
supposed  that  tL  EnSsh  00^,^  ?ston,shmeni.  Could  it  be 
trifling  artifice  of  nSn2n„,T'''°"'''  '"""''^  ^^^cend  to  the 
from  Jhich  tL;'CS"o^td"eTT^^^^^^  terms 

with  the  dignity  of  their  nntln^Z.  a    r         l^^^'  consistently 
made.  «„rh  n-o^^o4  T'f^^^^  ^''O'"  them?  If  seriously 

the  situat]on^ofCun3"|l!"  '"  "  TP"^-'"^  ignorance  of 
government  in  the  groTe^tLnner"  '  '"P"''°"  *°  ^"-^'  '^^ 


284 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


Hartford  Convention Removal  of  the  Seat  of  Government  agitated. 


A  subject  which  was  brought  before  the  legislature  of  Penn 

sylvania  furnished  a  strong  proof  of  the  general  disposition  to 

unite  in  the  cause  of  the  country.     The  leaders  of  the  party  in 

the  New  England  states  opposed  to  the  war,  had  grown  every 

day  more  and  more  intemperate,  while  the  great  mass  of  the 

population  of  those  districts,  on  the  contrary,  was  becoming 

better  reconciled  to  it.     Under  a  mistaken  idea  of  the  real  sen° 

timents  of  the  people,  it  was  suggested  that  a  convention,  to 

consist  of  delegates  from  the  different  states  composing  New 

England,  should  meet  at  Hartford,  in  Connecticut.     Its  "object, 

according  to  rumour,  was  no  less  than  a  discussion  of  the  pro-' 

priety  of  a  dismemberment  of  the  union.     Whatever  were  the 

views  of  its  projectors,  the  proposal  was    not   received  with 

much  favour.     Deputies  from  only  three  states,  representing 

scarcely  a  third  of  New  England,  convened;  and  a  short  session 

terminated  in  the  adoption  of  a  declamatory  address  on  subjects 

now  nearly  forgotten,  and  a  remonstrance  or  memorial  to  the 

congress  of  the  United  States,  enumerating  some  objections  to 

the  federal  constitution. 

This  extraordinary  paper  was  submitted  to  the  legislatures 
of  the  several  states  for  their  approbation,  and  was  rejected  by 
them  all.  In  the  legislature  of  Pennsylvania,  it  was  referred 
to  a  committee ;  and  a  noble  and  eloquent  report  on  the  subject 
was  drawn  up  by  a  member  of  the  opposition,  (Mr.  Biddle,  now 
President  of  the  Bank  of  the  United  States,)  in  which  the  causes 
of  complaint  set  forth  were  clearly  refuted,  the  constitution  of 
the  union  was  ably  vindicated,  and  the  conduct  of  the  memo- 
rialists  severely  censured.    Let  it  be  the  warm  ->r  of  every 

American,  that  the  confederacy  of  the  state??,  iric  reared 

by  the  hands  of  r.ages  and  cemented  by  the  oloocl  of  patriots, 
may  be  eternal.  How  much  bloodshed  has  it  not  saved  already, 
and  how  much  will  it  not  save  in  future  ?  Let  us  place  before 
our  eyes  the  eternal  wars  of  the  Grecian  states ;  and  learn 
from  them,  that  independent  powers  Immediately  adjacent  to 
each  other  are  natural  enemies.  What  strength  does  not  this 
glorious  union  give  to  each  individual  state !  and  what  conse- 
quence does  it  confer  on  each  individual  citizen,  who  is  there- 
by made  the  member  of  a  great  nation,  instead  of  being  one  of 
a  petty  tribe '  Let  us  hope  that  no  unhappy  jealousies,  no  irre- 
concilable interests,  may  arise  to  break  in  sunder  the  bonds  by 
which  we  are  united  ! 

Another  important  matter  was  brought  before  congress 
during  the  present  session.  The  destruction  of  the  publio 
buildings  of  Washington  by  the  British  afforded  an  opportunity 
to  the  opponents  of  that  place  as  the  seat  of  government,  to 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


28fc 


_MrDaHai  appointed  Secretary  of  the  Treasury  ^^^^^Afliiirg  to  the  South^^^lir~ 

advocate  the  selection  of  another  site;  and"^rious  appreh"^' 
sions  were  entertained  that  their  views  would  prevail.  But 
these  fears,  and  the  subject  which  gave  rise  to  them,  were  soon 
put  to  rest.  Veneration  for  the  great  father  of  our  republic 
exercised  a  successful  influence;  and  the  city  of  Washington 
IS  now  destined  for  ages,  and  it  is  hoped  for  ever,  to  be  the 
metropolis  of  the  United  States. 

Our  finances  at  this  critical  moment  appeared  to  revive, 
under  the  indefatigable  industry  and  great  abilities  of  Mr.  Dallas 
whom  the  President  selected  to  fill  the  post  of  secretary  of  the 
treasury.  His  plans  were  characterized  by  the  greatest  bold- 
ness,  but  were  unfolded  in  so  luminous  a  manner  as  to  carry 
conviction  to  every  mind.  He  may  be  said  to  have  plucked 
up  the  sinking  credit  of  the  nation  by  the  locks.  At  the  same 
time,  the  duties  of  the  secretary  of  war,  in  addition  to  his  other 
avocations,  were  discharged  by  Mr.  Monroe.  In  undertaking 
this  office,  he  exhibited  no  small  courage;  for  it  had  become 
a  forlorn  hope  of  popularity :  he  was  happily  rewarded  by  the 
most  fortunate  success  in  all  his  measures,  and  by  the  applause 
oi  the  whole  country. 

Meanwhile,  the  public  attention  was  awakened  by  the  alarm- 
mg  aspect  of  affairs  to  the  southward. 

General  Jackson,  after  concluding  the  treaty  recounted  in  a 
former  chapter  with  the  main  body  of  the  Creeks,  residine  in 
Alabama  and  Georgia,  had  transferred  his  head  quarters  to 
Mobile.  Here,  he  received  certain  information  that  three  Brit- 
ish  ships  of  war  had  arrived  at  Pcnsacola,  in  West  Florida,  then 
a  possession  belonging  to  the  Spanish  nation,  with  whom  we 
were  at  peace,  and  had  landed  three  hundred  soldiers,  and  a  large 
quantity  of  ammunition  and  guns  m  arming  the  Indians,  with 
the  view  of  making  an  assault  upon  Fort  Bowyer,  a  battery 
SI  uated  on  Mobile  Point  and  commanding  the  entrance  to  Mo- 
bile  Bay.  He  also  learnt  that  the  fleet  of  admiral  Cochrane 
had  been  reinforced  at  Bermuda,  and  that  thirteen  ships  of  the 
line,  with  transports  having  ten  thousand  troops  on  board,  for 
the  purpose  of  invading  some  of  the  southern  states,  were  daily 
expected.  On  the  receipt  of  this  intelligence,  he  immediately 
wrote  to  the  governor  of  Tennessee,  calling  for  the  whole 
quota  of  mihtia  from  that  state. 

The  three  vessels  at  Pensacola,  having  been  joined  by  an- 
other  vessel,  and  having  taken  the  troops  on  board,  sailed  from 
thence,  and  appeared,  on  the  15th  of  September,  off"  Mobile 
iuim.  1  no  naval  force,  mounting  in  all  ninety  guns,  was 
commanded  by  captain  Percy:  the  land  troops,  consisting  of 
one  hundred  and  ten  marines,  two  hundred  Creeks  headed  by 


286 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


S:^'^;:l^y^^^^^^^^-^^  with  aTat^.:^.-^- 

infamous  colonel  NichdlTon^r  ""''^^''^«  ^""^'"and  of  the 
in  the  anernooiMhe  t  OOP  •  u^^    \    '"T  t^i'  "'  ^'''''  °'^'°^J^ 

irom  the  two  pieces  of  nrHllo-,,  u-  l  !'l  '  '^"'^  ^  cannonade 
distance  fro.';  aTd^nt  r/oHhe^^^^^^^  fZ  t""'''  ^^  ^  ^'"^'^ 
twenty  pieces  of  cannon,  and  warcommamWI  ^'^''-'^^r"'"^ 
rence,  of  the  Second  r^rrlL^J  7.^^f'°'^'"an«ed  by  major  Law. 

twenty  men  nnde7hhf     VV  th  'tl      !,'^''  ^'"'^  °"^  ^""'^'"^^  «"d 

her  on  fire.    Of  her  crew  or!    nu""  ^°T'  T*"^  °'^''g^''  *«  «^t 
only  twenty  effecSd    h  /r  S  '"^  Ti:.'r/'"^'"'' T^^ 
being  considerably  injured   lost  pf^lu  Jr  '  ''"'^''  ^^^'''^«« 

wounded,  and  returned  to  Penln"^''  "•"'  '"  '^'"^^  ""d 
while  the  trooprretrcLd  fo T        '°  ^^P^""  «heir  damage; 

reinforcement  of  two   thnn^^i  ^  Hay  ng  received  a 

Choctaw  Indians,  z\ZT:f  tlT:::::,rt.  z'er? 
Sre^^^e'r^-rPi?^^^^^ 

officer,  however?rs  fired  unon  ?  '" !u  '  ^'  governor.  This 
return,  wichoutc'ommuncatinn^enhT  ^'^l-^  «"d  obliged  to 
son  then  reconnoit^r^d  the  S  nnH  r'^r  ''^^''.  T''"""-  ^^''^• 
British  and  SnaZrdrm.^'    ^  ^'""^'"^"^  it  defended  both  by 

forfSn  thr  ^.-'^r  '!   '^  ""discovered,  in  the  rear  of  th« 


'• 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


en- 


I 


287 

thore  were  seven  IJritish  armed  vesscir^T^idTVft  nT^n^ 
fort  ready  to  assail  them  on  tlio  right,  and  b^Ju.nrf  ° 
cannon  in  front.  On  entering  tl,e  to  nab.  e^  of  f  '"'^ 
nons,  loaded  with   ball  and  g^ape/wL'opet  7n  U.cTen^^ 

appearance  wrth^'arg::;d":tinf:rr^^^^^ 
fort  unconditionally,  be^r^cd   for  moyrt      'n  ■  ^ 

and  p«cc,i„„  glv.^'  ,„  SCt„Zlvro"ny  ^ul iXt' 
llonls.     The  commandant  of  iho  fort    LvSl  .    , 

Americans  out  of  possession  nn,i,  ml,^  ,T  ""c^'a  Xd'^t 

p  r 'i.;rxxti'i^,,T:crs£T:T„f ^^^^^^^^ 

n.?^.??  ^  J- "''  S^Pteml^cr  it  was  reduced  to  a  certainty  th«f 
Thomn«   to  t,^n  !i  ,      ^     "'^  ^"^  second  under  ecneral 

enemv      Thi«  .      i   i  •  '        ,   ^determination  to  oppose  the 

zz,  'Z^i-'z:  pT.bL:  r  Lt^^'d\rr  --r^- 

tions  of  universal  applause.  '''""  demonsfra- 

(aTleast  those  of  JtSSnrof  nn"  ""m^ "  «!-"^-"'----a, 
position,  had  paid  ^ttS'S^H^ntX^^r  a^::^^!^ 


I        ,; 


288 


BRACKENKIUGE'S 


_  Prep.«,ion.  for  Re,i.,anco^„_  Confl.|o,.ce  inspired  ,y  J.ck,o^[^;:^~ 

Of  the  city  Of  New  Orleans,  tl,c  militia  could  scareely^bT^ 
to  be  organized,  much  less  disciplined  or  armed.  ^N^thip. 
short  ol  an  actual  mvasion  could  rouse  them.  In  the  city  the 
case  was  d.fk-rent.^  From  the  comn.oncement  of  le  war  as 
if  sensible  of  the  feeble  help  which  they  could  expect  iVom, he 
general  government,  the  inhabitants  had  manifested  the  greatest 
alacnty  m  qualUymg  themselves  for  taking  the  field  S£ 

a  soldTe  "and  "7,  ""' '  ^'^''^'^'V''  ^-'"S  «-^.  had  Em 
a  soldici,  and  perhaps  m  no  other  city  of  the  country  were 
there  sucj.  frequent  and  elegant  displays  of  well  disdpS 
and  well  dressed  volunteer  companies.  The  aptitude  of  French- 
men  for  the  profession  of  arms  was  now  shiwn  to  have  been 
inhentod  by  the.r  descendants ;  and  not  a  few  of  the  natives 
of  trance,  men  who  had  served  in  her  armies,  were  Inter! 
.nmgled  w.th  then.  The  free  people  of  colour,  a  numerous 
class,  were  permitted,  as  a  privilege,  to  form  volunteer  compa- 
nies  and  wear  uniform-:  some  of  these  were  natives,  but  the 
greater  part  were  refugees  from  the  island  of  St.  Domin^.o! 
The  dissensions,  hitherto  of  frequent  occurrence,  between  what 
were  termed  the  American  and  French  inhabitants,  were  healed 

Snn^n"r°".    .'^'fu ''^  ]"  '^^  ^"S"^*''  ^^'^  ^^  ''^^'''y  determina- 
tion  to  frustrate  their  designs. 

The  chief  dependence  of  the  inhabitants  of  New  Orleans  for 
safety  was  in  the  nature  of  the  surrounding  country,  and  its 
exceeding  difficulty  of  access  to  an  enemy  1nvadin|'by  sea 
In  front  is  a  shallow  coast  and  the  principal  entrance's  a  river, 
which,  arter  crossing  the  bar,  ,s  narrow,  deep  and  rapid,  and  of 
a  course  so  vyinding  that  it  was  easy  to  fortify  it.    To  the  west 
are  impassable  swamps,  and  on  the  east,  the  low  marshy  coasts 
can  be  approached  only  through  a  shallow  lake.     The  most 
natural  defence  of  such  a  country,  would  be  gun-boats,  or  ves- 
sels  drawing  little  water  and  capable  of  being  easily  transferred 
from  place  o  place.    Great  uneasiness,  however,  prevailed,  on 
account  of  the  inadequacy  of  the  means  for  opposing  the  pow- 
erful  invading  force  which  was  expected.  Louisiana,  like  other 
parts  of  the  umon,  had  been  left  by  the  administration  (which 
had  neither  money  nor  men  to  send)  to  rely  chiefly  on  itself. 
It  was  certainly,  as  it  respected  men,  arms  and  military  works, 
in  a  most  defenceless  condition.    The  legislature  had  been  con- 
vened,  and  was  in  session ;  but  instead  of  the  active  provision 
of  means  of  resistance,  much  of  its  time  was  spent  in  idle  dis- 
cussion.  ' 

In  times  of  general  alarm  and  danger,  nothing  is  of  so  much 
importance,  as  a  man  at  the  head  of  afiairs  possessed  of  firm- 
ness  md  decision  of  character.    Happily,  at  this  critical  June 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


289 


BHtl.h  Fleet  arrive,  off  the  Coc.t Capture  of  the  American  Gun-Bogt,.  " 

ture,  there  was  found  such  an  one  in  generallackson.  This 
oh.cer  hastened  his  departure  from  Mobile,  on  hearing  of  the 
darger  of  New  Orleans,  and  arrived  there  on  the  2d  of  Dc 

wS'-.  •      •  '^T''"'^^  u"'^'   ^"''^"^'y  ^^^'  '■"   'he  confidence 
which  It  inspired,  and  the  unanimity  and  alacrity  with  which 
an  seconded  every  disposition  and  measure  which  he  directed 
He  visaed  in  person  the  points  at  which  it  was  necessary  to 

rivpr  T't  rtr  m'  '"'''"'  °'  '^^y""^'  ^'•«'"  'ho  Atchafaliva 
mer  to  the  Chef  Menteur  pass  or  channel,  were  ordered 'to 
be  obstructed.  The  banks  of  the  Mississippi  were  fortified  bv 
his  direction,  m  such  a  manner  as  to  prevent  any  of  the  enemy's 
vessels  from  ascending ;  and  a  battery  was  erected  on  the  Chef 
Menteur,  so  as  to  oppose  the  passage  of  the  enemy  in  that 
direction  He  then  called  on  the  legislature  to  furnish  him  the 
means  of  expediting  the  different  works  which  he  had  marked 
out-requisitions  which  met  with  prompt  compliance.  About 
one  thousand  regulars  were  stationed  at  New  Orleans,  which, 
together  with  the  Tennessee  militia  under  generals  Coffee  and 
Carrol,  were  distributed  at  the  most  vulnerable  points.  In  anti- 
cipation  of  the  approaching  danger,  military  supplies  had  been 
forwarded  by  the  Ohio  river;  and  the  governors  of  TennesseS 
and  Kentucky  had  been  called  upon  for  a  considerable  force,  S 
be  sent  with  all  possible  expedition  to  Louisiana. 

th^Ah^l^l^u^J^'"''^"'^^''.'^''^''''  'nfcll'gence  was  received 
that  the  British  fleet,  consisting  of  at  least  sixty  sail,  was  ofT 
the  coast  to  the  east  of  the  Mississippi.  Commodore  Patterson 
commander  of  the  naval  station,  immediately  despatched  aTl 
nlkof  five  gun-boats,  under  the  command  of  lieutenant  Thomas 
Ap  Catesby  Jones,  to  watch  the  motions  of  the  enemy.  Thcv 
were  discovered  in  such  force  off  Cat  Island,  at  the  entrance  of 
Lake  Borgne,  that  the  lieutenant  determined  to  make  sail  for 
he  passes  into  Lake  Pontchartrain,  in  order  to  oppose  the  en' 
trance  of  the  British.    The  Sea  Horse,  sailing-master  jdmsoS 

OrTp^M  ;"  r^^'r' ''''  ^^P'""-*^^  '-^  'he  Bay  of  St.  Lou's 
nearlv  rL/  K  ^  gun-boats,  while  becalmed,  were  attacked  b^ 
nearly  forty  barges,  carrying  twelve  hundred  men,  and,  after  a 
Ted  Th'?  ^'^"^"'"h^^  overwhelming  a  force. 'they' surrea 
dered.  The  oss  of  the  Americans  was  forty  killed  and  wounded  • 
among  the  latter  lieutenant  Spidden,  who  lost  an  am  "and 
heutenants  Jones  and  M'Keever.  The  loss  of  the  enem;  was 
estimated  at  three  hundred  men.  ^ 

The  destruction  of  the  gun-boats  now  placed  it  in  the  power 

timl'VT"^'  ?  ""^""^  ^1''  P°'"'  °^  ^«««'^'  ^n^l.  «t  the  same 
time,  n  a  great  measure  deprived  the  Americans  of  the  means 
of  watchin.g  his  motions.   The  commander-in-chief  orderStbfl 


is,  I 


yuo 


HIlACKKNIUDliK'i^ 


Morlial  Law  proclaltnod  by  General  Jiick»on rtiu  Pirate  Larttte. 

battalion  of  men  of  colour,  under  major  Lacosto,  together  with 
the  telicmna  dragoons,  to  take  post  on  the  Chef  Menteur  in 
order  to  cover  the  Gentiliy  road,  which  leads  from  thence  to'tiie 
city,  and  also  to  defend  the  passage  from  Lake  Korgne  into 
Lake  Pontchartrain  ;  while  captain  Newman,  of  the  artillerv 
who  commanded  the  Ibrt  at  the  Rigolets,  the  second  and  only 
other  channel  Ix-'twcen  these  two  lakes,  was  ordered  to  defend 
that  place  to  th(!  last  extremity.     Other  measures  were  rapidly 
adopted.   Colonel  Forticr,  one  of  the  principal  merchants  of  the 
city,  who  had  the  superintendence  of  the  volunteers  composed 
o    the  men  ol  colour,  formed  a  second  battalion,  which  was 
placed  under  the  command  of  major  Daquin.     By  means  of 
bounties,  a  number  of  persons  were  induced  to  serve  on  board 
the  schooner  Caroline  and  the  brig  Louisiana ;  and  thus  the 
places  of  the  sailors  captured   by  the  British  were  supplied. 
Un  the  18th,  the  commander-in-chief  reviewed  the  city  refri- 
ments,  and  was  particularly  gratified  with  the  appearance  of 
the  uniform  companies  commanded  by  major  Plauche      The 
battalion  of  the  latter,  with  a  company  of  light  artillery  under 
lieutenant  W  agner,  was  ordered  to  Fort  St.  John,  for  the  protcc 
tion  of  the  bayou  of  that  name,  through  which  access  could  bo 
gained  from  Lake  Pontchartrain  into  the  upper  part  of  the  city 
ot  New  Orleans,  or  across  to  the  Mississippi.    An  cmbarrro  fo'r 
three  days  was  decreed  by  the  legislature ;  a  number  of  persons 
conhned  in  the  prisons  were  liberated  on  condition  of  servinc 
in  the  ranks;  and  at  length  the  commander-in-cliief  conceived 
It  indispensable,  for  the  safety  of  the  country,  to  proclaim  mar- 
tial law,  a  measure  which  ix-rhaps  was  justifiable  in  the  cir- 
cumstances.     About  this  time  Lafitte  and  his  Baratarians— a 
horde  of  smugglers  and  pirates,  who  had  carried  on  their  illcfral 
operations  from  an  almost  inaccessible  island  in  the  lake  of  that 
name— availed  themselves  of  the  amnesty  and  pardon  offered 
them  by  governor  Claiborne  on  condition  that  they  would  come 
lorward  and  aid  in  tlie  defence  of  the  country ;  and  joined  the 
American  forces. 

All  the  principal  bayous  which  communicate  with  Lake 
Pontchartrain,  and  intersect  the  narrow  strip  of  land  between 
tJie  Mississippi  and  the  swamps,  had  been  obstructed.  There 
was,  however,  a  channel  connected  with  Lake  Borgne,  called 
the  Bayou  Bienvenu,  and  having  its  head  near  the  plantation 
01  general  Villere,  seven  miles  below  the  city.  Although  it 
was  not  believed  that  this  pass,  which  was  known  to  few  ex- 
cept  fishermen,  afforded  much  facility  for  the  approach  of  nn 
invading  uriny,  general  Jackson  gave  orders  that  it  should  be 
obstructed  and  guarded.   A  small  force  was  accordingly  stqtion 


1^, 


1118'iOUY  OF  THE  WAU. 


291 


LaiKlIng  or  ihc  Briti.h  Ar.ny  .^.^.  _  „  Bfl,,|e  onj,o  SSdof  UcccuiIht, 
ed  near  its  ontranoo  into  tho  lako,  nt  ihn  caLins  of  soino  fish- 
ermoi,  who,osall,-ru'anisap|„.,-nv,l,  were  in  the  (■.n|.l(.vnicnt 
ot  the  British;  but  its  ol)struction  was  neglccttcni  or  li-r/rotton. 
On  the  .'Jd,  guided  by  theso  lishermon,  a  division  of  tin-  ene- 
my under  general  Kcano,  wliich  had  been  transported  thither 
in  boats,  ca.no  suddenly  upon  the  American  guard,  and  took 
hem  prisoners.  By  four  o'clocit  in  th,.  n.orninir  of  the  i-ad. 
thoy  reached  the  commencement  of  Villere's  canal,  near  the 
head  ol  the  bayou.  There  they  (ii.sembark(.d  and  rested  some 
hours;  a«er  which,  again  proceeding,  by  two  o'clod:,  J'.  M 
they  reached  the  banl<  of  the  Mississippi.  (Jeneral  Villere's 
house  was  immediately  surrounded,  as  was  also  that  of  his 
neighbour,  colonel  La  Ronde;  but  this  ofllcer,  as  well  as  major 
Villere,  was  so  fortunate  as  to  cflbct  his  escape,  and  hastened 
to  head  quarters,  to  communicate  intelligence  of  the  approach 
ol  tile  enemy.  ' ' 

The   commander-in-chief,    on    receiving    this   information, 
instantly   resolved  on  the  only  course  to  be  pursued,  which 
was,  without  tlic  loss  of  a  moment's  time,  to  attack  the  enemy. 
In  one  hour  s  time,  Co/Tee's  rinemen,  stationed  above  the  city, 
were  at  the  place  of  rendezvous,  the  battalion  of  major  I'laucho 
had  arrived  from  the  bayou,  and  the  regulars  and  city  volunteers 
were  ready  to  march.     By  six  o'clock  in  the  evenin-r,  the  dif- 
erent  corps  were  united  on  Rodrigue's  canal,  six  miles  below 
lie  city.      Ihe   schooner  Caroline,  captain    Henley,  bearing 
the  broad  pendant  of  commodore  Patterson,  at  the  same  timS 
dropped  down  the  river ;  and  orders  were  given  to  lieutenant- 
commandant  Thompson  to  follow  with  the  Louisiana.    General 
Coilces  command,  together  with  captain  Bealc's  riflemen,  was 
placed  on  the  extreme  left,  towards  the  woods  ;  tho  city  volun- 
teers and  the  men  of  colour,  under  Plauche  and  Daquin,  both 
commanded  by  colonel  Ross,  were  stationed  in  the  ceiitre ;  and 
to  the  right,  the  two  regiments  of  regulars,  the  Seventh  and 
torty.fourth;  while  the  art/:  >y  and  marines,  under  colonel 
M  Uea,  occupied  the  road,      i'he  whole  force  scr.rcely  exceed- 
odtwo  thousand  men.     The  British  troops,  which  amounted 
to  three  thousand  men,  on  their  arrival  at  the  Mississippi,  in- 
stead of  pushing  directly  toward.,  the  city,  had  bivouacked,  with 
their  right  resting  on  a  wood  and  their 'left  on  the  river,  in  the 
full  conviction  that  the  most  difficult  part  of  the  enterprise  was 
already  achieved.     Collbo  was  ordered  to  turn  their  right  and 
attack  them  in  the  rear;  while  general  Jackson  in  person,  with 
he  main  body  of  the  troops,  assailed  them  in  front  and  on  their 
leil :  a  fire  from  the  Caroline  was  to  bo  the  signal  of  attack.  At 
hall  past  seven,  o'clock,  night  having  already  set  in,  the  action 


993 


BRACKRNRIDGE'S 


"""'"  °^  ""  "'"" J'C'on  encamp..  ,nd  fbrtlfl,.  MmH\t.         ' 

commenced  by  a  ruking  broad3ide  from  the  schooner,  which 
was  d.rcccd  by  the  light  of  the  enemy's  f.res,  and  afforded  ho 
first  .numat.on  of  the  approach  of  iho  Americans.  Colfee'S 
ZT'  Z  I  n  '  '-T^  ""petuosify,  now  rushed  to  the  attacl<,  nnd 
entered  ti)e  i  nt,sh  camp  ;  while  the  troops  in  front  and  on  tho 
right  imder  the  immediate  command  of  general  Jackson  ad" 
vanced  with  equal  ardour.  •'"^-'^son,  ad- 

The  enemy  were  taken  by  surprise,  and  although  they  soon 
ex  mguished  their  fn-es  and  Ibrmed.  yet  order  was  not  re^sfo^ 
be  ore  several  hundreds  of  them  had  been  killed  or  wounSed 
A  th.ck  log,  wlMch  arose  shortly  afterward,  and  a  m'sunder-* 
standing  ol  instructions  by  one  of  the  principal  officers,  p2c. 
ng  .omc  contusion  in  the  American  ranks,  Jackson  called  offhis 

r;"!''  ""f  '7,r  "T  ""'''  '^"'  "'=ht.  At  four  of  the  following 
mornin-,  he  fell  ba.k  to  a  position  about  two  miles  nearer  tho 
citj,  where  the  swamp  and  the  Mississippi  approached  nearest 
to  each  other,  and  where,  therefore,  his  line  of  defence  would 
be  the  shortest  and  most  tenable.  In  his  front  was  a  mill-race 
which  was  supplied  with  water  from  the  river.  Tho  American 
loss  in  this  battle  was  twcnty.four  killed,  among  whom  was 
colonel  Lauderdale  of  Tennessee,  a  brave  soldier,  who  fel  Wh 
lamented;  one  hundred  and  fifteen  wounded,  and  seventv-four 

Sr  Thn\    ^'.5°  r""!  '"""y  ''•''"'^  P'^'"'  "P"'  inhabitants  of  the 
city.   1  hat  of  the  British  was  estimated  at  four  hundred  in  killed 

nZ^if:  T'^  I"','""°J  ^^  '' '''''  *^^  ^^J^'^^  °^  'he  American 
geneial  to  teach  his  adversaries  caution,  and  thus  retard  their 
advance,  he  fully  succeeded;  for  during  four  days,  they  kept 
within  their  intrenchments,  contenting  themselves  with  active 
preparatory  occupations.  They  were  probably  influenced 
somewhat  to  suspend  the  immediate  execution  of  their  intended 
movement  on  New  Orleans,  by  the  false  accounts  given  by 
their  prisoner.,  who  stated  that  the  American  force  amounted 
to  fifteen  thousand  men. 

Meanwhile  general  Jackson  set  to  work  immediately  to 
for  ify  his  position  This  he  effected  by  the  construction  of 
tit.Tn  w/f'^'n'^-'''^"^'""  from  the  river  to  the  swamp, 
with  a  ditch  (tho  mill-race  ubove  mentioned)  in  front.  To  ex- 
pedite these  works,  and  to  supply  the  place  of  earth,  of  which 
tiicrc  was  great  scarcity  owing  to  the  swampy  character  of  the 
ground,  an  extraordinary  e.\,.edient  was  adopted.  Bales  of  cot- 
ton  brought  from  New  Orleans,  were  placed  upon  the  line, 
and  covered  with  earth  ;  and  of  such  materials  was  the  rampart 
lormed.  As  thejjnemy  were  still  annoyed  by  the  Caroline  and 
-fj.;  i^oiiisiana,  r»c  laiter  having  joined  the  former,  and  both 
Wing  prevented  from  escaping  up  the  river  by  a  strong  wind 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


293 


AlWri  of  ttie  38th  of  Dcci>inDcr,  and  of  tho  Ut  of  January,  1813. 

batteries  were  constructed  to  altnck  them.  riiKii  tlirsc,  r  I'lo 
87th,  hot  shot  \v<;ro  thrown,  hy  wliich  tlic  ('urolinc  wiis  hl-i  on 
fire.  Sho  blew  ii|)  about  an  Iioiir  atlcr  she  liad  hi;t'ii  abandoned 
by  her  crew.  The  Louisiana  next  sustained  the  lire  of  tiicir 
batteries,  until  she  was  in  innnincnt  danj^^er  ot'  siiurintj;  the  lute 
ol' the  Caroline.  In  losing  her,  the  whole  co-o,..  nitue  nuvul 
forci!  would  iiav(!  been  lost;  but  her  eoniniunder,  lieutenant 
Tiiompson,  ufler  encountering  many  obstacles,  finally  sue 
cceded  in  extricating  her  ironi  her  perilous  situation,  and  an- 
choring  her  on  the  right  fhink  of  general  .laekson's  position. 
After  the  destruction  of  the  Caroline,  sir  I'Mward  I'ackcnhain, 
the  British  coniniander-in-ehief,  having  landed  the  main  body 
of  his  army  and  a  sudicient  train  of  artillery,  superintended,  in 
jwson,  the  arrangements  for  attacking  the  American  intrench- 
ments.  On  the  28th,  he  advanced  up  the  levee,  as  the  narrow 
strip  between  the  river  and  the  swamp  is  called,  with  the  in- 
tention of  driving  Jackson  into  the  city;  and  at  the  distance  of 
half  a  mile  commenced  the  attack  with  rockets,  bombs,  and 
cannon.  When  he  came  within  reach,  the  Louisiana,  and  tho 
butteries  on  the  American  works,  opened  a  fire  on  him  which 
was  very  destructive.  At  the  end  of  seven  hours,  during  which 
he  '  ;  no  attempt  at  a  nearer  approach  to  the  American  line, 
the  british  general  relinquished  the  attack,  and  retired.  Tho 
loss  of  the  Americans  was  seven  killed  and  eight  wounded, 
among  the  former  colonel  Henderson  of  Tennessee;  that  of  the 
British  was  computed  at  a  total  of  one  huadred  and  twenty. 

On  the  morning  of  the  Isl  of  January,  1815,  sir  Edward 
Packenham  was  discovered  to  have  constructed  batteries  near 
the  American  works,  and  at  daylight  commenced  a  h(avy  fire 
from  them,  which  was  well  returned  by  .lackson.  A  bold  attempt 
was,  at  the  same  time,  made  to  turn  the  left  of  the  Americans ; 
but  in  this  the  enemy  were  completely  repulsed.  About  three 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  the  fire  of  the  British  was  silenced ; 
and,  abandoning  the  batteries,  their  army  returned  to  the  camp. 
The  loss  of  the  Americans,  on  this  occasion,  was  eleven  killed 
and  twenty-three  wounded.  On  the  4th,  general  .Tackson  was 
joined  by  two  thousand  five  hundred  Kentuckians,  under  general 
Adair ;  and  on  the  6th,  the  British  were  reinforced  by  general 
Lambert,  at  the  head  of  a  reserve  of  four  thousand  men.  The 
British  force  now  amounted  to  little  short  of  fifteen  thousand 
of  the  finest  troops ;  that  of  the  Americans  to  about  six  thousand, 
chiefly  untried  militia,  a  considerable  portion  unarmed,  and 
from  the  haste  of  their  dep?  rture,  badly  provided  with  rlnthmrr. 
To  supply  those  who  were  without  weapons,  all  the  private 
arms  which  ths  inhabitants  of  New  Orleans  possessed,  were 


294 


BRACKENRIDGE'S 


PwiUon  of  the  American  Army MeMorahle  Battle  of  the  8th  ofj^liiil^r" 

collected;  and  the  ladies  occupied  themselves  continuallTi; 
making  cloth.ng  for  those  who  were  in  want  of  it.  The  rnayir 
moment"'  ^'  '  "°^'  '"^'  P"''^"'«rly  ^^'ive  at  this  SyLg 
i^.^^  ^  •'*'^''  ^^V^^  J**"^  prepared  for  a  serious  attempt  on 

on  the  7th,  a  water  communication  from  the  swamp  to  th6 
M.SS  sg.pp,  by  widening  and  deepening  the  canal  on  wh  ch 
the  t  oops  had  ongmally  effected  their  disembarkation.  He 
was  thus  enabled  to  transport  a  number  of  his  boats  to  the 

ZLdr''^^  /  '"'^"'/°x"  ^°  '"«''«  ^  simultaneous  attack  on 
tl  TJ  '^  of  general  Jackson  on  the  left  bank,  and,  cross- 
hf  H^hrr^'J'"  S?u  ''°T  '"^  fortifications  which  defended 
eft  bfnl  of  h  ^^'  ^°''^'  of  the  American  general  on  the 
Jell  bank  of  .ne  river  were  by  this  time  completed.  His 
front  was  a  breastwork  of  about  a  mile  long,  extending  from 

tt  In  ?t  '"1°  'J^  .'''''"IP'  *'"  '^  ^'^^^^  impassable,  and  for 
«ie  last  two  hundred  yards  taking  a  turn  to  the  left.  The  wholo 
was  defended  by  upwards  of  three  thousand  infantry  and  artil- 
S\  f''«,'^"«h  contained  five  feet  water;  and  the  ground  in 
front,  having  been  flooded  by  wafer  introduced  from  the  river  and 

tliI!T  'T'' '''?  'I'-PP^'y  «"^  '""^'^y-  Eight  distinct  bat. 
teries  were  judiciously  disposed,  mounting  in  aU  twelve  guns 
of  different  calibres.     On  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  there 

wtch  tTf  '^'"''■^  °f  fifteen'iuns,  nnd  the  intrerchmenS 
which  had  been  erected  were  occupied  by  general  Morgan.  ' 

tucky  Zo  ^°"'''^  "^  '"'^'''''  «°^  «  «t'-ong  detachment  of  Ken- 

pji'  ^t^  memorable  morning  of  the  8th  of  January,  general 
Packenham,  having  detached  colonel  Thornton  with  at  least 
five  hundred  men,  to  attack  the  works  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
river  moved  with  his  whole  force,  in  two  columns  commanded 
by  major-generals  Gibbs  and  Keane.  The  riabt  and  principal 
division,  under  the  former  of  these  officers,  was  to  attack  the 
cen..  of  the  works.  The  British  deliberately  advanced  to  the 
assault  m  sohd  columns,  over  the  even  plain  in  front  of  the 
American  mtrenchments,  the  men  carrying,  besides  their  mus- 
kets,  fascines  made  of  sugar  cane,  and  some  of  them  ladders. 
A  dead  silence  prevailed  until  they  approached  within  reach 
ot  tho  batteries  when  an  incessant  and  destructive  cannonade 
commenced.     Notwithstanding  this,  they  continued  to  advance 

onI"i''K  .K°  J""'  ""'?"." ^'  "P  '^^  ™"'"  ««  f«st  «3  they  were 
opened  ^by  the  fire  of  the  Americans,  until  thev  came  within 
rem: ,  or  the  musketry  and  rifles,  when  such  dreadful  havock 
was  produced,  that  they  were  instantly  thrown  into  the  utmost 


■ 


HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


206 


• 


Battle  of  the  8th  rf  January Death  of  General  Packenham. 


confusion.      Never  was   there  so  tremendous  a  fire  as   that 
kept  up  from  the  American  lines.     It  was  a  continued  stream ; 
those  behmd,  loading  for  the  rpen  in  front,  and  enabling  them  to 
fire  with  scarcely  an  intermission.     The  British  columns  were 
literally  swept  away  :  hundreds  fell  tit  every  discharge.  Broken, 
dispersed,  disheartened,  they  retreated.     The  most  active  efforts 
were  made  to  rally  them.     General  Packenham  was  killed  in 
front  of  his  troops,  animating  them  by  his  presence  and  example ; 
and  probably  not  less  than  a  thousand  men,  dead  and  wounded 
were  lymg  beside  him.     Generals  Gibbs  and  Keane  succeeded 
m  briDgmg  them  up  again ;  but  the  second  approach  was  more 
fatal  than  the  first.     The  continued  roll  of  the  American  fire  re- 
sembled peals  of  thunder;  it  was  such  as  no  troops  could  with- 
stand.     The  advancing  columns  again  broke  ;  a  few  platoons 
reaching  the  edge  of  the  ditch,  only  to  meet  certain  destruction. 
An  unavailing  attempt  was  made       'ead  them  to  the  attack  a 
third  time  by  their  officers,  whoso  .^llantry,  on  this  occasion, 
deserved  a  better  fate,  in  a  better  cause.     Generals  Gibbs  and 
Keane  were  carried  from  the  field,  the  latter  severely,  the  for- 
mer mortally  wounded.     The  narrow  field  of  strife  between 
the  British  and  the  American   lines  was  strewed  with  dead. 
So  dreadful  a  carnage,  considering  the  length  of  time  and  the 
numbers  engaged,  has  seldom  been  recorded :  two  thousand, 
at  the  lowest  estimate,  pressed  the  earth,  besides  such  of  the 
wounded  as  were  not  able  to  escape.     The  loss  of  the  Ameri- 
cans did  not  exceed  seven  killed,  and  six  wounded.     Military 
annals  do  not  furnish  a  more  extraordinary  instance  of  disparity 
in  the  slain,  between  the  victors  and  vanquished.     The  de- 
cided advantage  of  the  Americans,  which  may  be  acknow- 
ledged  without  detracting  from  their  praise,  gave  to  the  conduct 
of  the  enemy  more  of  the  character  of  madness  than  of  valour. 
By  the  fall  of  General  Packenham,  the  command  devolved  on 
general  Lambert,  who  was  the  only  general  officer  left  upon  the 
field,  and  to  whom  had  been  consigned  the  charge  of  the  re- 
serve.    He  met  the  discomfited  troops  in  their  flight,  and,  being 
unable  to  restore  the  fortune  of  the  day,  withdrew  them  from 
the  reach  of  the  guns,  and  finally  from  the  field  of  battle. 

In  the  meantime,  the  detachment  under  colonel  Thornton 
succeeded  in  landing  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river,  and  imme- 
diately  attacked  the  intrenchments  of  general  Morgan.  The 
American  right,  being  outflanked,  abandoned  its  position.  The 
left  maintained  its  ground  for  some  time :  but,  finding  itself 
deserted  by  the  right  and  outnumbered  by  the  enemy,  spiked 
Its  guns,  and  also  retired.  In  the  course  of  the  contest,  colonel 
Thornton  was  severely  wounded,  and  the  command  of  the  Bri- 


296 


BllACKENRIDGE'S 


_  Louisiaj,a  cvacu^led^by  tJ^Bnt^  „^ 

tish  devolved  on  colonel  Gubbins.  As  soon  as^thc'seTi^ters 
were  made  known  to  general  Jackson,  he  prepared  to  th  o^v 
reinforcements  across  the  river,  to  dislodge  the  enemy.  Th^ 
measure  was  rendered  unnecessary,  however,  by  their  voluntary 
LambL-r'""''  '''''■''"  ^'^'^'^"'^^  ^°  the  order  of  general 

On  the  9th,  general  Lambert  determined  to  relinquish  the 
hopeless  enterprise  •  and  immediately  commenced  IJie  necessarv 
preparations,  which  were  conducted  with  great  secrecy    It  wn^ 
not  untd  the  night  of  the  18,h,  however,  t'hat   he  Sish    Ip 
was  entirely  ev^acuated.     From  the  nature  of  the  country   3 
he  redoubts  which  the  enemy  had  erected  to  cover  their  ret'ret 
t  was  deemed  unadvisable  to  pursue  them.     They  XieK 
their  wounded,  and  fourteen  pieces  of  artillery,  ihndfiem 
Returning  by  the  same   route   along  whici,  so  short  a  thne 
before  they  had  advanced  with  hope  and  confidence  they'eS 
cd  the  fleet  without  annoyance.      Their  loss  in  this  fatal  ex pe- 
dition  was  immense.     Besides  their  generals  and  a  number  of 
valuable  officers,  their  force  was  diminished  by  at  C  three 
thousand  men      It  was  undertaken  too  at  a  time  when  peace 
unknown  to  them,  had  been  actually  concluded ;  and  its  suC' 
cossful  issue  therefore  could  have  led  to  no  permanent    esuhs. 
Commodore   Patterson   despatched   five   boats,   underMr 
Shields,  purser  on  the  New  Orleans  station,  in  order  "o  annoy 
the  retreat  of  the  British  fleet.      This  active  and  spirited  2 

rfVrisZt    "  "^'"""°  "^^^^'  '^^^^  ^"'^  taking'a  number 
The  British  fleet  on  the  coast  was  not  inactive  during  these 
operations.     It  was  intended  that  a  squadron  should  eSe    the 
Mississippi,  and,  reducing  the  workslt  Fort  St.  Philiprascend 
the  river,  and  co-operate  in  the  attack  on  New  Orleans      Tho 
bombardment  of  the  fort  commenced  on  the  11th  of  January 
and  was  continued  with  more  or  less  activity  for  eight  da^t 
At  the  end  of  this  time,  the  enemy,  finding  they  had  made  no 
serious  impression,  dropped  down  the  river,  and  pu    to  sea! 
The  fort  was  garrisoned  and  bravely  maintained  b/three  hun 
dred  and  sixty-six  men  under  the  command  of  mafor  Overton. 
Giea  rejoicing  took  place  throughout  the  United  States  and 
>  specially  ,n  New  Orleans,  in  consequence  of  these  ev«i?'  and 
every  honour  was  bestowed  upon  the  commander-in'cS  '  It  is 
to  bo  regretted   however,  that  some  unpleasant  occurrences    ho 
merit  of  which  it  is  not  within  the  plan  of  this  work  to  dTscuss) 
ended  to  alloy  the  brilliancy  of  sicccss.     Whetiiei  these  are 


ascend 


Hli^rORY  OF  THE  WAR.  297 

— °'p^'''^'"°"^^^°^^^^^^!^^^  of  the  Tre,;;;^ — ' 

While  these  bloody  affairs  t^nspired~^ii;7Mi^^i^Z^ 
admiral  Cockburn  was  pursuing  a  more  lucrativfand  e  s  E 
gerous  vvarfare  along  the  coast  of  the  Carolinas  and  Georgia 

Charestn'^rndT"  °'  ^"'"''^"^    '''^'^''   ^^   «1"g 
v^naneston   and   bavannah,  sent  out  detachments  v.Wu-h  m«1 

w.  h  various  success  ;  but  his  chief  and  mori^re    ing  ocTu 
so^'^nd'of  P  ""'^--g  the  inhabitants  of  the  produ  K  the 
SOI ,  and  of  their  merchandize  and  household  furniture      The 
etters  of  some  of  his  officers  to  their  companions?  whTch  Jere 
intercepted    displayed  the  spirit  of   petty  and  dishonour^ 
cupidity  and  plunder  by  which  these  gentlemen  were  acTate^ 
The  most  usual  topics  of  these  epistles  were  thramouit  Ind 
species  of  plunder  which  they  procured;  and  deskriookin" 
glasses,  bureaus  and  cotton  bales  were  exultingrenumeratei 
as  If  they  had  been  the  ultimate  and  glorious  enJof  wTr     '  -' 
1  he  momentous  intelligence  of  thi  defeat  of  the  British  at 
New  Orleans,  had  scarcely  ceased  to  operate  upon  the  SLs 
o»  the  people  of  the  United  States,  when  theV  receivS  ^K 
we  come  news  of  peace.     If  the  declaration  of  ^war  gave  rise 
at  the  time,  to  partial  rejoicing,  the  announcement  ffks  ter- 
mination was  celebrated  with  a  pleasure  that  was  univerS 

tl^  A?^L  "'^  "°^  '°"g  aAerwards,  a  day  of  thanksgiving  to 
the  Almighty  was  set  apart  throughout  the  nation,  by ?he£me 
authority,  for  its  blessed  restoration.  ^ 

The  treaty  was  concluded  on  the  24t]i  of  December  1814  at 
Ghe^t,  by  lord  Gambler,  Henry  Goulburn  and  wXam  Adams 
onthepar  of  Great  Britain;  and  by  JohnQuincyAdamsTWs 
A.  Bayard,  Henry  Clay,  Jonathan  Russel  and  Albert  GkllnH^ 

tion^?'all :  ^'^  ""t'  ^'"^"-  ''  stipulated  a  mutual  re  to  a.' 
tion  of  all  p  aces  and  possessions  taken  during  the  war  or  wh.Vh 
njigh  be  taken  after  the  signing  of  the  treaty  It  fi^rther  ii^ 
Glared  that  nl  captures  at  sea  should  be  relinquished  if  madt 
twelve  days  thereaHer,  in  all  parts  of  the  Amerkan  coastfrom 
the  twenty-third  to  the  fiftieth  degree  of  north  latitude  as  f^ 
eas  as  thirty-six  degrer-s  of  longitude  west  from  Greenwich" 
hirty  days  thereafter,  in  all  othef  parts  of  the  Atlantic  S  of 
he  S-  of  m"  '''"'  'Tl  ^Z^^'  ^"^'«h  and  Irish  cLnne^s. 
S    .u  i         ^.'''"^^'  °"^  the  West  Indies;  forty  days   for  tha 

as  the  Can/nfr  i^n  """^  ^■'^^"'  ^''"th  of  the  equator,  as  far 
as  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope :  ninety  days,  for  ^v^r-  o(h-r  p—    f 

trtr  T\'.'  '''  ^'^"^'"l'  and  on^'hundr^d  t5  t':;;iry 
days,  for  all  other  parts  without  exception.  It  was  further 
agreed  that  the  parties  should  mutually  put  a  stop  to  Sn 


298   BRACKENRIDGE'S  HISTORY  OF  THE  WAR. 


Terms  of  the  Treaty  of  Peace ■ Conclusion. 


nostilities,  and  use  their  best  endeavours  to  extinguish  the  traffic 
in  slaves.  But  much  the  greater  part  of  the  treaty  related  to 
the  adjustment  of  the  boundaries  between  the  British  posses- 
sions and  those  of  the  United  States,  which  had  been  imperfectly 
adjusted  by  the  treaty  of  1783.  The  subjects  of  impressment, 
of  paper  blockade  and  of  orders  in  council,  and  the  rights  of 
the  neutral  flag,  were  passed  over  without  notice. 

Thus  terminated  an  eventful  war  of  two  years  and  eio-ht 
months,  or,  as  it  is  commonly  called,  three  years.     It  is  related 
of  the  wise  Franklin,  that,  hearing  some  one  term  our  first 
war  with  Great  Britain,  the  war  of  independence,  he  reproved 
him  :  "  Sir,"  said  he,  "  you  mean  of  the  revolution ;  the  war 
,  of  mdependence  is  yet  to  come."      That  war  is  now  over  ; 
and  every  hope  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain  to  bring  us  back  to 
the  state  of  colonies,  has  fled  for  ever.     By  the  seizure,  during 
peace,  of  a  thousand  of  our  merchantmen  and  of  seven  thou- 
sand  of  our  fellow  citizions,  she  drove  us  into  a  war  with  her  ; 
whereby  two  thousand  of  her  merchantmen  were  lost,  and  many 
rnillions  added  to  the  sum  of  her  already  immense  national  debt. 
Still  more :  the  frequent  captures  of  her  public  vessels,  by  the 
5h!ps  of  our  small  but  gallant  navy,  have  established  the  painful 
truth,  that  she  has  an  equal  on  the  ocean.     Wo  have  at  last  in- 
duced her  to  treat  us  -'itli  respect ;  and,  in  whatever  portion 
of  the  globe  his  fortune  may  place  him,  an  American  may  now 
own  his  country  with  pride.     We  have  no  wish  to  be  othervvlse 
than  on  terms  of  friendship  with  Great  Britain.     We  have  a 
common  origin,  a  common  language,  and  institutions  nearly 
similar ;  and  should  she  ever  need  a  friend,  notwithstanding 
the  past,  she  will  find  one,  sincere  and  zealous,  in  the  United 
States  of  North  America. 

To  us  the  war  is  pregnant  with  important  lessons.  We 
nave  acquired  a  knowledge  of  our  weakness  and  of  our 
Btrength.  We  have  been  taught  that  our  best  policy  is  h.-.n. 
durable  peace,  and  the  preference,  in  our  intercourse  with  all 
nations,  of  justice  to  profit.  We  have  been  taught,  and  the 
lesson  IS  worth  the  sum  we  paid  for  the  war,  that  we  are  weak 
-D  conquest,  but  sufficiently  strong  for  defence. 


THE  END. 


WAR. 


b  the  traffic 
y  related  to 
tish  posses- 
imperfectly 
prcssment, 
e  rights  of 

and  eight 
t  is  related 
n  our  first 
le  reproved 
1 ;  the  war 
low  over  ,• 
us  hack  to 
ire,  during 
even  thou- 
with  her  ; 
and  many 
ional  debt, 
sis,  by  the 
Ihe  painful 
at  last  in- 
er  portion 
may  now 
othervvise 
'^e  have  a 
ns  nearly 
hstanding 
he  United 

ms.  We 
d  of  our 
y  is  h-in- 
0  with  all 
,  and  the 
are  weak 


VALUAIJLE  SCHOOL  BOOKS 

PUBLISHED  AND  FOR   SALE  BV 

Kay  4"  Brother,  Philadelphia ;  and  C.  II.  Kay  if-  Co.,  Pittsburgh. 


BRACKENRIDnE'S  HISTORY  OF  i 
TIIK  LATK  VVAU  bijtwiMMi  the  Uniteil  ] 
Pliitcs  and  Greiit  Britain;  ciiinprisinj;  a 
MiiMite  Account  of  tlif  varinus  iMilitary 
aiiil  Naval  Operations.  Seventh  Edition, 
with  very  numerous  Engravings  of  Hat- 
tl.is  on  Land  and  it  Sea.    In  1  vol.  12;no. 

"  II  is  sufficient  eviiieiice  of  the  estinntion  in  whirti 
Itus  \»hM  is  lielil,  tlial  six  large  eUiliona  have  been  sold.'' 
—Chrijttau  Ri^i^ter,  Bolton. 

"  The  topics  of  which  it  Ire.it8  lire  «nch  as  to  com- 
inLMul  il  l(j  i^neral  onii-leralion,  and  tlie  manner  in 
*  hull  ihcy  are  treated  h  is  won  for  it  i^eneml  favour. 
The  iHiok  IS  very  well  got  up  in  all  resuecls."— SoJ ur- 
day  AVu'j. 

"It  has  been  translated  into  both  the  French  and  Ita- 
lia.! Iiiijuijes;  and  isdimbtle^  the  Ual  account  of  the 
(iiifin  of  the  w.ir,  the  |iro!;iess  of  the  naval  oiieratlons, 
»'id  the  liiLal  close,  that  haa  been  written."— Solurduv 

ClITUT,  ' 

"  This  work  is  decikdly  the  best  written  volume  on 
the  subject,  vvliich  has  appeared;  and  its  adaptation  to 
general  use  is  sulliciently  acknowledged  by  its  ixipular- 
ily,  and  the  rapid  sale  which  each  edition  lias  met  with. 
It  should  be  found  in  every  family  collectiim,  and  iu 
every  school." — Ptny.sylvixuian. 

"A  work  which  enjoys  great  popularity.  It  presents 
a  succinct  account  of  ihe  events  of  tlie  contest,  with  oc- 
casional i;lance8  at  the  lejislalive,  diplomatic  and  st.a. 
tistical  sutijccts  connected  » ilh  it."— JValiur.ii;  OaKllj. 


THE  AMRRICAN  ORATORS  OWN 
BOOK:  Or,  Tlie  Art  of  Kztemporanmus 
Public  Speakin/r,  iiichiding  a  Course  of 
Di.scipline  for  obtaining  the  faculties  of 
Discrimination,  Arrangement,  and  Oral 
Discussion  :  with  a  Debate  as  an  Exercise 
in  ArKUinenlative  Declamation;  and  nu- 
mc.ous  Selections  for  Practice,  frpm  the 
most  eminent  American,  British,  and  Irish 
Orators,  and  Writers  in  Prose  and  Poe- 
try. Written  and  compiled  for  the  use  of 
Colleges,  Schools,  and  Students  of  Ora- 
tory, by  a  Gisadnate  of  Harvard  Univer. 
sity.  With  excellent  Portraits,  on  steel,  of 
Patrick  Henry  and  Chief  Justice  Marshall. 
In  one  handsome  volume,  morocco. 

The  Publisherj  would  call  the  attention  of  yr un»  meo 
to  this  work,  which  h.-u  been  fortupate  in  reccivins  the 
unqualified  and  warm  approbation  of  the  m'nt  enliirhl- 
eued  conductors  of  the  public  prefs  In  the  country  :  ami 
also  of  all  teachers  and  parents  to  whose  iuspeclion  it 
h.as  been  submitted. 


"  Mr,  Itmckcnridge's  History  is  perspicuous  and  accu- 
rite  ill  its  mmlive  of  facu,  and  commendable  in  point 
of  style.  It  should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  one  who 
h.u  not  devoted  his  davs  and  nights  to  the  history  of  his 
country."— Aiimjieaiiia  Smtmcl. 

"  Messrs.  Kay  ft  Brolher  have  recently  issueil  a  new 
ftlllion  of  '  DwcKniririft'i  lliilo.  u  of  tht  Lnit  ICnr,'  in 
the  admirable  style  that  distinguishes  all  their  publica- 
tions. This  work  is  undoubtedly  the  best  liistory  of  the 
late  war  iiith  England  thil  haa  been  written.  It  is  a 
clear,  full,  and  generally  authentic  narrative  of  the  nu- 
niemus  events  of  the  war.  The  style  of  the  author  is 
nervous  and  pointed,  and  the  spirit  which  |iervailet  its 
pages  truly  American,  It  is  from  such  liooks,  that  the 
youth  of  our  country  derive  the  most  in.prcusive  lessons 
of  patriotism.  No  child  can  read  the  achievements  of  a 
Perry,  Decatur,  Porter,  Jackson,  or  Johnson,  wilhout 
feeling  that  he  loves  his  country— her  instilutions  and 
her  sliirspangled  banner,  with  tenfold  ardor.  i,.el  the 
history  of^  the  exploits  of  the  revolution,  and  of  the  war 
of  ISI2,  be  disseDiinated  far  and  wide— we  may  then 
bid  defiance  to  legions  of  foreigo  invaders 

'Columbia  needs  no  bulwark,  no  towers  along  the 
steep ;'  ^ 

Her  rampart  is  the  strong  arms  and  the  brave  hearts 
of  her  Sons."— Penruyleania  Kt-yitone, 

EVENINGS  AT  HOME:  consisting 
of  a  variety  of  Miscellanemis  Pieces  for 
Ihe  Instruction  and  Amusement  of  Young 
Persons.  By  Mrs.  Bahbai.'ld.  Itil  thick 
vol.  IHino,  morocco.  Illu.strated  by  100 
Engravings. 

This  excellent  woik  is  largely  introduced  into  schools, 
and  fnrms  an  elegant  and  most  appropriate  present  to 
the  Young. 

'"Kveniags  at  Home' should  find  a  place  in  everv- 
School  Librar;'.  No  other  juvenile  liook  can  be  found, 
which  coniiirises.  in  the  same  space,  such  a  variety  of 
informa'ion,  so  admirably  adapted  to  the  capacities  and 
tutej  of  the  Vouiig."— Eimyt  on  ScJiotl  Kixfiiig. 

"A  work  of  first  rate  merit."— .Ifrr.  C'hiliU. 

"  We  know  of  no  publicati  vi,  better  calculated  to  en- 
^i?e  juvenile  attention,  tha»  the  one  before  us|  and  i( 
miv  well  serve  as  a  present  for  Chris|in,as  times  and 
hnli  l>y  ■•n.nn".  Al!  Ihe  suhiecls  in  the  wort  3r»  ..f  rt-y 
roniprelieiision,  and  the  hiignage  is  so  plain  anil  iiitelti. 
gillie,  that  the  young  reader  is  delighted  .it  th»  ficilitv 
with  which  he  uiideistands  what  he  reads.  The  tiook 
is  elcelleiiMy  got  up:  the  type  is  large,  the  plates  are 
benitiful,  and  the  binding  is  neat  and  strong  ;  and  Last 
not  least  iml»rtant.  il  is  Ihe  cheapest  book  which  wo 
have  for  a  long  lime  seen.o-HiHij  Gaylord  Clark. 
PModilphia  Qaztite.  ' 

" '  Evtninfi  at  Homi'  are  among  Ine  most  charming 
evenings  of  our  livi«  l  they  have  nature,  knowleilge  lif? 
spirt',  and  simplicity."— Aculu  mitallr  for  Childrm. 


T  he  powers  requisite  to  an  cilen.poraneous  Orator  are 
briefly :  a  perfect  acquaintance  with  his  subject,  in  detail 
.and  m  ageregate;  a  knowledge  of  its  favouriWe  and  un- 
favourable features,  and  of  whatever  may  iligstrate  and 
embelli.sh  il  i  and  llies*  resources  must  be  so  digested, 
that  there  be  not  omission,  redundancy,  nor  disorder,  and 
that  one  topic  lead  to  aoother  by  regular  connection. 
lAstly.  thiTe  must  be  such  a  comni.and  of  language  as 
Kilt  prevent  not  ■  idv  htsiitation,  but  inelegance,  and  a> 
will  preserve  the  strict  modulation  of  each  sentence. 

The  Amirican  Oralor'i  Own  Baik  is  devoted  to  a 
Plan  of  Inttntclion  in  this  most  useful  art.  A  great 
deal  has  been  done  in  previous  work%  to  promote  the 
practice  of  rmliKioii,  and  to  train  young  persons  to  a 
mrrect  and  elegant  mode  of  articulilion  and  gesture. 
But  It  remained  for  the  present  work  to  show  by  what 
means  the  mind  may  be  trained  to  the  habit  of  thiikini 
accurately  ;  and  of  elliressiiig  its  ideas  orallv,  in  clear 
elegant,  and  unembarrajsed  terms.  '1  he  Fublis'hers  there- 
fore confidently  oHer  this  volume  to  all  who  wish  to  cul- 
tiv.ite  Ihe  art  of  Er(crn;ior<iiirmii  Public  Sptak:iig,  and 
to  acquire,  by  the  same  process  of  s'uily  the  equally  Im- 
liortani  .accomplishment  of  a  methodical,  fluent,  and  ele- 
gant style  in  coriMraalion  and  convcila'wuat  nrirro- 
Iimi ;  or,  in  other  words,  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
pnncijile^  on  which  rests  a  geallemouly  and  ready  ad- 
dress in  public  and  private. 

"  The  .American  Orator't  Own  Book Messrs,  Kav  ft 

Brother  have  just  miblisheil  a  work  bearing  the  alibve 
title.  It  is  dedicattj  to  the  Hon.  \Vm.  (:.  Pieafon,  Mem- 
ber of  the  U.  S.  Senate,  from  South  Carolina,  the  model 
of  the  extemporaneous  oralnr,  and  the  ardent  and  fear- 
leis  patriot  America  appears  to  be  the  favoured  home 
of  eloquence  ;  and  our  country  has  produced,  even  at  itl 
present  early  age,  a  brilliant  conslellation  of  oniorica. 
genius.  The  work  twfore  ns  comprises  a  nunil:er  o' 
selections  fmm  American  speechet,  and  all  of  themdj 
honour  to  Ihe  country  and  the  age.  Still  it  must  be  ad, 
nutted  that  the  prevailing  style  and  manner  of  speakini 
in  l.'iis  country  are  def.  ctive.  Culture  and  care  are  need- 
»!  to  soften  and  refine  the  style  of  our  public  speakers, 
and  cori,<:t  those  defective  mannerisms,  those  traits  of 
provincial  j>eculiarities,  which  now  obscure  the  ma8,s 
of  our  political  sneeclies.  The  volume  coi.Utns  tlie 
likenesses  of  two  distinguished  American  orators;  and 
is  made  up  of  admirable  specioiens  of,  ai  d  exercises  in 
clo.|uence.  Il  will  be  found  highly  useful  in  schools.' 
and  to  the  general  reader.- PenTU^/uariian. 

"  This  is  a  pocket  volume,  very  handsomely  got  up  by 
.Messrs  Kay  «  Brother:  the  volume  contains  nuniemui 
rules  and  examples  of  vitil  importance  to  correct  read- 
ing, and  the  directions  are  carried  out  to  the  formation 
of  discoursi:s.  to  the  use  ot  argument,  and  these  are  suc- 
ceided  by  selections.  The  vdunie  is  vahnble  to  the 
reader  and  speaker,  and  must  benefit  those  who  addreat 
poltjc  assembliea."— L'liitf-'f  Slata  C-izrttf, 

*'It  is  not  a  mere  compilation  of  sjieirhes.  githered 
wittiout  care,  and  ottered  without  comment ;  hut  it  is  a 
ii-eful  treatise  on  all  the  esaeiiti:Uk  of  DnI.ry.  'I'o  the 
young  student  i  ,11  prove  a  vahi  ble  assistant,  and  the 
niore  advaqoed  may  deriye  piDfit  from  its  pa'es."- 
Saturday  Acioj. 

'•One  of  tlie  moet  elegant  and  useful  pocket  volumea 
that  we  have  for  a  long  time  seen  on  our  uble ;  and  a 
work  th.it,  if  we  may  judge  of  its  intrinsic  merits,  will 
lie  desirn-dly  poBUlar.'-'Pinruylt'ailio  fm/Kire.  ant 
Courier. 

299 


COAIiOT'S 

PROGRESSIVE 

FRENCH    SCHOOL    SERIES 

*  OmpUuCourse  ^  Study  of  the  French  Language,  a,  it  i.  Read,  ffriUen  and  Sr,ok^ 
In  6  voluMcs,  royal  isnu,,ieautifully  printed,  and  bound  to  nalcl      ^ 

*«ad«r.  The  toureh  ftrt  comprijM  ,  Selectinn  nf  ?, 
Inch  from  the  work,  of  Ihe  bo,  Jrenrh  I'wt,  m?~JM 
.''/.•  »'"'rtT«»li»  on  the  Rddinrof  French  Fow™t2 
Ihi.  Fourlh  P»rt  there  i.  no  ln>n,f,lion ,™  d  ,ha '  7eali« 

.^.n^'' ',"  '"  P'-P'l' "hen  he  ha.  adv^ced  thu,  far  ,". 
.uppojedind  expected  lobe  .ble  lo  re»d  FreDch  ial.irJ 
oiih  Ijy  hi.  Gruumir  and  Dktionary.  ' "' 

mav  the'rrfomT""*!  1""  '",'" ''"'"-■  f^""h  R.adtr 
may,  inerefore,  be  kijJ  to  enab  e  a  nunil    if  he  iluil. 

iT^uu^K^"  "^'=''"  "'■  h'*  O""  '»5»  niayleleit  for 

V.   &   VI. 

COLLOT'3    FRENCH    DIALOGUES 


Z.    &   II. 

COLLOT'S     LEVIZAC'S      FRENPH 
GRAMMAR  AND  EXERCISES  " 

oMhi^  w^T.'i."'lr''"'","  ""i' '"  "•""S'^  content] 

inV^£?^  '  "  *''"'''  "■'"  ""'"■  'nUrely  out  of  place 
n  .  Qrammar,  or  were  too  abjtrow  for  the  younr  K 
lar  have  been  eiponfed  j  and  the  room  thu,  XafnS 
^™f  °,,°'":''''^''''  '""^  impraveinent,  and  mojm  " 
rm«"bv"/  ^n  "^r""";:^  *"; '"»  '•'«  -ode"  aifht 
Verbi'ln'tSe  F^lh'l'"  "■"  '"^"'"  '<"^  ^''^<'^' 
TenK,  which  ar^h.hrh"*,"'*'''  .""."J""""!  '"  «11  Ih. 
jciiBcv  wnicn  are  liable  to  Irreeular  i  ea  ■  «nd  hv  «  t«» 

tlie  tierciKs,  ha.  been,  as  far  ai  practicable,  puraucd. 

g^a'^Kr'.''"^  exercises  in  the 

Thi.  Key  is  intended  to  aid  the  Teacher  and  Parrnl 
who  may  not  be  imuter  of  the  nicer  dilficuiVie.  of^he 

Publishers  hope  that  it  will  supply  a  deficiencv  which 
taulong  been  felt,  and  be  paWcJlarlylKfd  fn  ttl^ 
Iwge  portion,  of  the  country  where,  from  the  Kale^ 
condllton  of  the  population,  hirhl^  qualifi«l^S 

S?jt™T"°!^J"";'"«''  "I-  "^"^  iKudie.  of  the 
child  are  difwlod  by  the  zealous  and  intelligent^rcnr 

III.    &   IV. 

,  COLLOT'S  pronouncing  AND 
interlinear  FRENCH  READER 
In  2  vols.,  viz. : 

VOL.  I.  Coilot'sPronodncino  French 
Header;  on  a  Plan  of  Pronunciation, 
New,  Simple  and  Effective:  being  a 
Course  of  Interesting  and  Instructive 
Lessons  selected  frim  the  Works  of  the 
best  French  Prose  Writers  and  Poets 
preceded  by  Easy  Fables.    And, 

VOL.  II.  CoLLOT's  Interlinear  PRENcn 
Header;  on  Locke's  Plan  of  Instruc- 
tion :  being  a  Key  to  "  Collot's  Pronounc- 
ing French  Reader  " 


AND  PHRASES,  With  an  English  Trans 
ation ,  consisting  of  numerous  Conv.'rsa- 
tions  on  Familiar  Subjects,  and  a  well 
selected  Collection  of  Idioms  and  Pro- 
verbs The  whole  calculated  tofac  lifate 
the  study  of  the  French  language  and 
Edition     Aid'  '*"  "'■Speaking  if.  Third 

COLLOT'S  FRENCH  ANECDOTPQ 
AND  aUESTIONS,  wriu?n  in  easy 
style :  Intended  as  a  Reciting  and  Read- 
ing Book  for  Schools;  and  especial"!^  in 
conj.inclion  with  "Collot's  French  Dia- 
logues and  Phrases,"  as  a  Guide  lo  Fren-  i 
Conversation.    Third  Edition. 


These  two  srolume,  are  to  be  used  in  contanction.  The 
one  ,s  devoted  to  Translation,  the  other  to  PmnuncUtion' 
which  arrangement  is  deemed  an  improvement  on  the 
JI^'S!".  r  frV'"'!''  '"e  dislLt  and  nde^nd! 
fhi  °^  V  ^'  ""-ly./raiislJ'ioo  and  Pronunciauin,  in 
the  Mme  Volume,  and  on  the  same  Pa-e.  '-■'""'"> '" 

The  liiltrlmmr  frencA  ftfnd^r  contains  an  tnlerlinear 
lllera|.and.free  translation  of  all  the  Pro,Anlh"j^. 
X^Zlf"'?"'  «?!!'"•; comprising  abou  two'hW. 
^  Sim,  . Vrt^r""'  V'^  Le^""  commence  with  short 
and  simple  Fables,  and  proceed,  by  easy  prorression  to 
varied  selections  fmm  the  flneit  ProseWrile™  n  the 
French  lanynase.  Fundamental  rules,  to  wh?cS7r4uent 
reference  i.  made  in  the  text,  are  pliced  at  tl  e  eK  the 

I^IZ  'J^"'  "^^"T'  «''=  '"c  "•"■•'I  me,ani"r  of  all 
•uch  word,  as  cannot  be  rendered  literally  into  ^neli.h 
Knse  As  the  pupil  advancs.  these  help.'^.re  p4dual  5 
ll.i."^"'.'"  "■"  '  k^wlf'lue  of  all  that  haslScS 
¥;''"!;!!J''  *  competent  rcnear«ll  of  his  le«,S 
The  Pmvmncinir  F,mch  Riadir  contains  a  svslem 
«rf  PiTinuncitinn,  which  is  entirely  new,  and  sinjSlir^ 
S7c'h  M.'  f"''^''-}'  i'  Mi,yJ,o  be  the  fi4t  aS^ 
jnnh  has  been  made  lo  communicate  a  knowlcdre  of 
French  pronuncialion  on scienlilic  principle,  j  and  it  con- 

naue  l.miliar  to  every  one  ,n  Wafker'.' EntlJJh  Pn^ 
BOUDCID,  Dictionary.  Ai.  volume  consisfs  of  Sleclio.^ 


iiP^-  Convemtional  f  rencA  Dialogva  bring  into  u  . 
the  ordinary  colloquial  language  of  polite  sofielv  A 
sustained  connection  of  idea,  and  the  Calk  fom  it 
ThitunnVh'^  cast,  render  them  easyTf t'qSon" 
1  he  pupil  when  he  has  commuted  to  memorv  ten  or 
welve  of  these  Dialogue,,  will  have  made  someTmrr^ 
in  "pressing  himself  in  French ;  and  will  lh?n  LTl^ 

oSera,  in  his  attempts  at  ori„-inal  conveiaation.  °"^""' 
Ih.n .  f  "Rl'  "  P"''  r"?]^  for  »iolher  step.    Lei  hill 

?h,  inecH]',',"""'^,^^'".'''"  "■'"'  ">«  incident.  Of  one  o^ 
is  nfil,S  V'-,'!'  "«'"' '°  "">  """i'  i"  wWch  it 
U  narrated.  He  will  now  recite  the  anecdote  to  h  . 
Teacher,  in  the  best  French  which  he  can  command  at 

of  a  wrf"Vvr'"'.;r'"  »''','i™  if  c">'»rra.S7f"r  .i; 

Ih.  ..,M  ;  ^'Jcn  the  pupi  ha.  reciied  (he  anecdote,  le 
the  teacher  aik  him  (Questions  on  it  in  French  and  -I 

ifre}a?^d  for  .Ws^'puJ,!^.'"'""'  "''""^  "'  «'""'™. 
This  course  of  «turly  is  to  be  continued  throuihoul  th« 
rf7./^  To  "f.an'o«T«  ami  Phrn.,,,  and  of  X.™ 
dola  and  (JuM'ion.  ;  and  allhoueh  the  nunil  mav  «ium. 
hie  a  little  at  first,  he  will  be  sun'irisrt  JnS  deTi  Ji  edto 
find,  ere  bng,  that  he  has,  aIniMt  insensibly,  acquired 
the  enviable  accomplishment  nf  speakinit  French 

suSrbvJL  A„fJI''l''°^  "Ju""^  ""^  two  volumes  pur. 
sued  by  the  Au  hor ;  and  his  success  under  it  has  been 
most  signal  and  flatterinif.    Those,  however,  who  m» 

By  any  mode  of  nis  ruction,  these  DMogua  ana  fihWa 
w  I  be  found  decidedly  preferable  to  uSconnecled  Col™ 
quia)  Phrases:  and  have  been  already  extensively  »o 
used.  1  he  volume  of  .Jnecrfole..  and  Qlicilto™  In  salw 
been  .uccessfully  intrtjduced  into  Schools  a.  a  Reciting 
and  Re«lin|?  Book;  for  which,  fmm  the  faiioK  n,* 
lure  of  Ihe  content.,  it  i.  well  ealr,,l,i.H  Th-  Q.-a: 
tions,  ur..1CMl,„  mode  of  using  ihe  book,  might  b«  drea 
to  the  pupil  as  an  eierciK,  and  m-itten  aotwen  S  Wi 
own  French  requirwl.  »u.w«i  u  qh 


PUBLISHED  BY 

Kay  cf-  Brother,  Philadelphia;  and  C.  H.  Kay  «f-  Co.,  Pittsburgh, 

-.„  *"'>  t*"  'AI-K  BY  ALL  BeoKSELlJB?, 


ilten,  and  Spoktn, 
maUh. 


ivided  into  Four  Parli, 
lure  of  ihi!  inilnicliotS 
;  I'^rt'  woJiil  entifflj 
r  Ihe  leil  of  which  la 
he  InUrlintar  Fnnch 
HM  a  Selection  of  T-r- 
rench  Poets,  preceded 
of  French  Poetry.  T* 
lion  J  and  the  'I  leiljw 
!  Nolea,  are  ^iven  in 
1  advanced  thus  far,  ii 
1  read  French,  atsjated 
ly. 

liruarFnnch  Rtadtr 
>  pnpil.  if  he  iludr 
and  uodentand,  any 
'n  taste  may  aelecl  for 
r  Uie  language,  wlieg 


DIALOGUES 
English  Trans 
trousConversa- 
ts,  and  a  well 
oma  and  Pro. 
ted  tn  facilitate 
language ;  and 
akingit.  Third 


ANECDOTES 
itten  in  easy 
ling  and  Read. 
I  eapeciallv,  in 
8  French  Dia. 
uldeloFrcn'  "i 
ion. 

)jT/«  bring  into  ut 
polite  society,  il 
>  dramatic  form  ia 
easy  of  acquisition, 
to  memory  ten  or 
nade  some  proyreii 
will  then  call  into 
he  will  find  at  Ihe 
them,  ai  occuion 
'ersalion. 

her  step.  Lethin 
Km  and  Qiirtlimx 
nciJents  of  one  ol 
words  in  which  it 
e  anecdote  to  hit 
!  can  command  at 
arrassed  for  wini 
i  the  anecdote.  let 
n  French,  and  -»• 
tie  same  ian»u.\ge, 
iisU  of  QuuUatu, 

ed  throujfhoui  the 
"I,  and  of  Ante- 
!  pupil  may  stum* 
1  and  delighted  to 
^nsibly,  acquired 
:ine  French, 
two  volumes  pur- 
mder  it  h.is  been 
wever.  who  may 
1e  ortiinary  plan. 
ni«»  ana  Phrara 
iconnecled  Collo- 
y  extensively  so 
'iialimii  hns  also 
ols  as  a  Reciting 
ie  fascinalin?  na* 
ted.  T.^>.e  ^v.ss.- 
;,  mishibe  JvM 
n  aniwtn  lo  hit 


Htfaburg^, 


